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Podcast: First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast
Episode: Dr. Nicole Polanichka on Turning Competition Anxiety Into Confidence
Description: Season 2, Episode 11Guest: Dr. Nicole Polanichka — Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Mental Performance Consultant, Veteran FencerWhat we coverNicole’s fencing origin story (and The Princess Bride connection)The veteran fencing community as a supportive, lifelong homeHow her psychology training reshaped her approach to competitionWhy the stigma around mental health in sports is liftingWhat makes fencing unique: individual pressure + fight-or-flight triggersRed flags for parents: when nerves cross into fear or lost joyPhysiology of competition-day anxiety (and why it help...