Rockstar athletes like Ilia Malinin often get 'the yips' at the Olympics. It can make them stronger
By Brian Mann
Transparency Analysis
Primary Narrative
Elite U.S. Olympic athletes, including figure skater Ilia Malinin, experience performance anxiety ('the yips' or 'twisties') that can paradoxically lead to personal growth and improved performance
Who Benefits?
U.S. Olympic Committee
Positive framing of athlete struggles as growth opportunities may improve public perception and support for Olympic programs
Sports psychology professionals
Increased media attention to 'yips' and 'twisties' may drive interest in sports psychology services and consultation
Framing Analysis
Perspective
Sympathetic view of elite athletes experiencing performance anxiety, framed as universal challenge with redemptive potential
Tone
Language Choices
- 'Rockstar athletes' - elevates status and creates sympathy
- 'painful falls' - emotional language emphasizing suffering
- 'can make them stronger' - redemptive framing in headline
Omitted Perspectives
- Perspectives from athletes who did not experience the yips at these Olympics
- Analysis of whether this framing minimizes the real competitive disadvantage these athletes faced
- Voices from sports psychologists or medical professionals explaining the phenomenon
Factual Core
Ilia Malinin fell during the Milan Cortina Olympics. Performance anxiety phenomena called 'the yips' or 'twisties' have affected elite U.S. athletes at Olympic Games.
Full Article
Ilia Malinin's painful falls at the Milan Cortina Games follow in a long tradition of great U.S. athletes who get the "yips" or the "twisties" during the Olympics.