Dr David Fletcher, based at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, has been presented with an Early Career Researcher Award, by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), at their annual conference in Glasgow.

Dr Fletcher won his award for his research on the psychology of sporting excellence and how it can be applied to other high performance domains. His work provides insights into how high achievers deliver sustainable performance in pressured environments. 

As part of his award, he has been invited to present on an aspect of his research at the conference and will speak about “Psychosocial Wreckage and Performance Catastrophes in Olympic Sport”. The specific focus will be on the findings of a case study of an Olympic swimming team.

Speaking of his award Dr Fletcher said,
“I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award. It reflects the supportive research environment that early career researchers enjoy in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.

“With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching, and Loughborough University’s involvement in the preparation, delivery and legacy of the Games, there has never been a more exciting time to be working with Britain’s finest athletes.”

The Early Career Researcher Awards were established in 2009 to recognise excellence in early career BASES members researching within sport and/or exercise sciences. Three awards are given annually, normally in each of the areas of ‘Physical Activity for Health’, ‘Sport and Performance’, and ‘Education and Professional Development’.