Cal Botterill, PhD.

Cal has enjoyed a 37 year career in applied sport psychology, teaching, & sport administration. He retired from his role as a full professor at the University of Winnipeg in 2007, & currently works with 4 sports preparing for the 2010 Olympics. He has been part of the support staff for 9 Olympics, & is running "High Performance Physician" programs for the Faculty of Medicine in Manitoba.

 

What education did you complete and what qualifications do you have?

 

Cal completed a PhD at the University of Alberta, & completed Post-Doctoral Study with several of the World's top professionals in Sport Psychology. He has been certified in AAASP, & accredited in CSPA. 

 

What is your philosophy to working with athletes?

 

 Cal believes in an "existential" approach to counselling--helping performers decide what will work for them. He is also a big believer in "foundational psychology". Developing a meaningful "perspective" can be every bit as important as detailed preparation. 

 

What are your thoughts/views of the upcoming Olympics?

 

The 2010 Olympics present the biggest challenge that Canadian sport psychology professionals have ever faced. Extremely high goals from administration, and incredible media/public interest, could easily make athletes & coaches prone to "fear of failure". It will take a "team" effort, & good strategies, to insure that most succeed.