British Cycling appoints lead psychologist  for the Great Britain Cycling Team

British Cycling appoints lead psychologist for the Great Britain Cycling Team

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British Cycling is pleased to confirm the appointment of Ruth Anderson into the role of lead psychologist working with the Great Britain Cycling Team.

Anderson, who held the position of head of psychology services for the Australian Olympic Team at the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, will start the new role on 1 June.

Speaking of the appointment, technical director Shane Sutton said: “The Great Britain Cycling Team has dominated over the past two Olympic cycles which places a huge amount of pressure on our current, relatively young team so I think Ruth will add real value to their mental preparations ahead of Rio.

“The recruitment for the new role was a very considered and robust process and the gap between service provision was strategic, allowing us to move towards a system driven process. I’m confident we have now found the best person and I look forward to welcoming Ruth to the team.”

Anderson, from Queensland, has worked as a psychologist for 18 years and her main focus of research is the optimal psychological state for peak performance.

As well as working for the Australian Olympic Team for two cycles, Ruth has also held the role as senior sport psychologist with the Australian Institute of Sport Swimming Program, Diving and Pro Tour Tennis programmes and was responsible for establishing the counselling service for residential athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Ruth Anderson said: “British Cycling are recognised internationally as leaders in elite sport and have been committed to providing innovative sport psychology services to the Great Britain Cycling Team.

“I am delighted have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of the team by developing a sport psychology program to promote performance excellence and enhance psychological wellbeing for Rio and beyond.”