Elise Devlin

Elise Devlin This story is part of Peak, The Athletic 's desk covering the mental side of sports. Sign up for Peak's newsletter here

In the more than four decades since, the interest in the Miracle on Ice team has remained, but it picked back up in a big way this year.

What is the hardest event in swimming? There is debate about that topic, and no single answer dominates. But there are regular contenders.

“It gives you the ability to look at it for what it is, which is nothing more than your imagination running its course,” Bryant said.

Peak's Elise Devlin has spent the last two years talking to coaches and athletes about mental tips they use to perform at their best.

From emulating other pitchers he admires to working backward to solve problems, Strider's approach to the mental side of the game is unique.

“The world needs more people who have the guts to care,” said Brad Stulberg, a University of Michigan professor.

Ohtani was embarrassed when his goal-setting chart was made public. But it's an instructive guide for how to break down ambitious dreams.

“If you do fail,” Brunson said, “you’re going to learn anyway.”

Steph Curry, Jason Kelce and Charles Barkley share their best mental advice.