As paddlers battle it out for spots on the podium, what happens behind the scenes often goes unnoticed.
Many sympathise with the physical demands sport has on them, but the mental strain is not talked about as much as it should be.
Given the competitive nature of sports, with an emphasis on winning and losing, athletes' vulnerabilities are frequently interpreted as signs of weakness.
The kayak medalists at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in La Seu d'Urgell, Spain, felt the same.
Click here for live results from La Seu
Even for Monica Doria, who recently won a European gold medal and started the first World Cup of the season with a K1 bronze, performance and peace of mind go hand in hand.
“The medal gives me a lot of confidence in my mental game to apply in the next competition. We know it's a hard sport and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't,” the Andorran said.
“In the level that we all are in, the top 20 or top 15 girls are good, so I guess the main point normally is the mental part.
“I think it's one of the keys. I've been working on it during this season, trying to apply stuff that helped me.”
A victory can go a long way in reinforcing self-belief in athletes.
Even then, emotional balance is key when competing at the highest level.
Australian Lucien Delfour echoed a similar sentiment.
Having won his first medal at an ICF World Cup in six years, the 36-year-old looked relieved.
“I think perseverance and patience are key. We work on mental health in Australia, and we take it seriously,” Delfour said.
“As you age and get disappointing results, the mental side can take a hit.
“Enjoying the sport and not ignoring the mental aspect is quite important, especially at this level of competition, where the stress goes up.”
Full coverage of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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