German long jumper Alexandra Valerie Wester has called for psychologists to be more involved in athletes’ preparation.
She made this call while addressing students at the University of Ghana (UG) Sports Psychology 2026 students in Accra.
The 2016 Olympian headlined the event that had former University of Ghana Sports Director Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu and Sports Psychologist Professor Collins Agyemang Badu heavily involved.
32-year-old Wester, who was born in Gambia to a German father and Ghanaian mother, was the latest high-profile athlete to address students in the University of Ghana Sports Psychology department following the likes of former Ghana Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew.
In her address, Wester, who competed in multiple European Championships, stressed the importance of the media and psychologists to the modern-day athlete by stating, (Click highlighted text to watch video)
“In today’s competitive sports, you need to be prepared before, during and after every competition. Modern athletes must be trained on how to communicate to the media and respond to questions.”
“Psychologists definitely have a role to play in preparing athletes on how to do this, hold your nerve and regulate your emotions.”
