Sift calls out scary Social Media noise during the Games

Sift Kaur Samra, a 23-year-old shooter, entered the Paris Olympics with high hopes but faced challenges during the competition. She was excited not just about her Olympic debut but also about exploring Paris with her family after the events. However, when her performance didn’t meet expectations, she found the social media chatter surrounding her overwhelming.

After a disappointing exit in the qualification stage, where she finished 31st, Sift needed time alone to reflect. She had achieved significant milestones leading up to the Olympics, including winning gold at the Asian Games and a world record. The pressure of expectations took a toll on her mindset.

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Sift's Realisation

Sift realized that the noise from social media intensified the pressure. Before her event, she was bombarded with comments urging her to perform well. This level of attention was new to her, and she found it scary. Unlike other competitions, the Olympics brought a different level of scrutiny. 

She learned that the external factors surrounding the Olympics affected her performance more than she anticipated. Sift stated that in the future, she would need to focus on managing these distractions better. This experience taught her the importance of mental resilience when faced with external pressures.

After taking some time to regroup, Sift competed in a state-level tournament and plans to participate in the World University Championships in New Delhi this November. She aims to balance her training for both the 10m air rifle and the 50m three-position events. 

Sift is determined to bounce back, reminding herself not to let external expectations overwhelm her. Despite the disappointment at the Olympics, she remains optimistic and ready to learn from her experiences for future competitions.