From Gods to Gurus: The Evolution of Olympic Superstition and Pseudoscience by Nick Tiller

Nick Tiller explores how Olympic athletes have shifted from ancient religious rituals to modern pseudoscientific practices in their pursuit of peak performance. The article delves into the psychological role of superstition and pseudoscience in high-stakes sports, highlighting practices like cupping, cryotherapy, and "lucky" charms that give athletes a perceived mental edge, even when scientific support is lacking. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2024/06/from-gods-to-gurus-the-evolution-of-olympic-superstition-and-pseudoscience/ About the Author: Dr Nick Tiller is an exercise scientist and author of The Skeptic’s Guide to Sports Science, named one of Book Authority’s “Best Sports Science Books of All Time.” He’s a columnist at Skeptical Inquirer and an elected Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. www.nbtiller.com Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquiry.