What does "choking" refer to in a sports context?

In a sports context, "choking" specifically refers to the phenomenon where an athlete performs significantly worse than their usual ability, particularly when faced with high-pressure situations. This poor performance is often attributed to anxiety or the overwhelming stress of the moment, which can disrupt an athlete's focus, confidence, and overall execution of skills.

When athletes are under intense pressure—such as during critical moments of a competition—they might become overly self-conscious or emotionally overwhelmed, leading to mistakes or subpar performances that are uncharacteristic of their typical ability. This psychological response contrasts with the ideal where athletes are often able to thrive in high-stakes environments, converting pressure into motivation rather than a source of anxiety.

The other options do not capture the essence of choking in sports. A sudden physical injury does not relate to psychological response; improvement unexpectedly does not align with the concept of choking, which centers on a decline in performance; and expressing frustration towards teammates, while a potential reaction to stress, does not define the performance aspects of choking.