Atle Lie McGrath, a 25-year-old alpine skier from Bærum, Norway, has opened up about his mental training in an interview with VG, attributing his success to the work he has done with his mental coach. McGrath acknowledges that he could become nervous before races and would sometimes overcompensate, risking failure. He emphasizes the importance of mental training, stating that it must be given as much attention as physical training, especially as he leads the slalom cup heading into the Olympics.

McGrath's journey has not been without challenges, as he has faced significant injuries during his career. His first major injury occurred in January 2021 when he injured his knee's inner ligament during a giant slalom event. More recently, he suffered a serious and prolonged anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee during a super-G race at the World Championships in February 2023. These experiences have prompted him to confront his fears head-on, particularly the anxiety that followed his latest injury.

As the Olympic slalom competition approaches, McGrath is determined to channel his hard-earned skills and experiences. With a silver medal from last year's World Championship and a prominent position in the slalom cup standings, he is poised to compete under pressure. His reflective approach to mental health and physical readiness highlights a growing awareness among athletes of the need for psychological resilience to complement physical performance.