Every athlete, no matter their experience, faces that familiar feeling before the start gun: the rush of nerves, the restless energy, and the doubt about whether all the training will pay off. For professional surf ironman Jackson Borg, learning how to manage pre-race jitters has been as important as any physical training session.
With multiple national titles and international podium finishes under his belt, Borg knows that managing the mental side of competition is what transforms preparation into performance.
From Surf Club Kid to International Competitor
Borg admits he wasn’t always the competitive type. “I enjoyed being outside and doing sports but was never good enough to be competitive,” he reflects. It wasn’t until his teenage years that he began catching up physically, which sparked a drive to compete—and eventually, excel.
That drive has carried him to the world stage, with career highlights including:
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2nd place – Oceanman World Championship (2018)
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3rd place – Oceanman World Championship (2024)
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4x Australian Gold Medals
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3x Australian Team Representative
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2nd place – Australian Ironman (2021)
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1st place – NSW State Ironman (2019, 2021, 2024)
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3rd place – Coolangatta Gold Elite Long Course (2024)
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Professional Iron Series Athlete – 2017 to present
Understanding Pre-Race Nerves
Even at the highest level, Borg still feels it. “Definitely I still experience a bit of pre-race anxiety and race day nerves,” he says. “But I’ve grown up around people who told me that being nervous is okay—it just means that you care. It’s your body getting ready for action.”
For him, the toughest mental test comes on race day itself, in the long wait before competition begins. “All of the work has already been done in the weeks and months beforehand, so you have to trust that you’ve done enough.”
Visualization as Mental Training
One of Borg’s strongest tools for dealing with race day nerves is visualization. In the hours leading up to competition, he runs through race scenarios in his mind—both the perfect runs and the setbacks.
“I try to put myself into the situations I want to be in, and also into the troubling ones,” he explains. “If I’ve already visualised myself working out of a bad situation, it isn’t as stressful if I actually get myself into it.”
This mental rehearsal ensures he’s prepared for whatever the ocean throws his way.
Why Routine Matters
Borg believes routine is the cornerstone of managing pre-race jitters. Whether it’s a morning pool session, a short nap, or activation drills before heading to the beach, his preparation is structured and repeatable.
“Having your own routine that you can go through and replicate on race days is my best way to manage the anxiety,” he says. “When you’ve done the same thing a thousand times, it tends to stress you out a bit less.”
Music plays a role too, helping him lock into the right headspace as he heads to the start line.
Lessons Beyond the Surf
While Borg’s world is surf lifesaving, his approach to nerves and resilience applies to athletes everywhere.
“Fall down 7 times, get up 8,” he says. “The ocean is constantly trying to balance itself out, and racing works the same way. If you’ve been getting a bad run, there’s a good chance you’ll get lucky later. But the only way you’ll know is if you keep showing up and putting your best foot forward.”
Jackson Borg’s Tips for Managing Pre-Race Jitters
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Accept nerves as normal — they’re a sign you care.
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Trust your preparation — don’t add unnecessary extras on race day.
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Use visualisation — prepare for both success and setbacks.
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Stick to a routine — repetition builds calm and confidence.
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Be resilient — setbacks happen, but persistence pays off.
Jackson Borg’s approach shows that the key to peak performance isn’t eliminating nerves—it’s learning to thrive alongside them. By combining visualisation, routine, and resilience, he proves that anyone can learn how to manage pre-race jitters and turn anxiety into fuel for success.
For athletes looking to take their preparation to the next level, explore Vaikobi’s performance gear designed for the demands of the ocean.
