Champion Academy
Articles

Insights on champions, mindset & mental toughness.

Published writing by Toni Gaddie, Clinical & Sports Psychologist and Performance Coach.

Wellbeing

Social Media and Teens

The former issue regarding, “without limits”, is also important. Television and video games have the potential to be toxic content, however at least these platforms usually…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Harnessing Your Inner Critic, and Growing Your Inner Fan

A while ago I did a workshop to Physios and performing artists. The performing artists included classical ballet, to modern dancers, to hip-hop dancers. The topic…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Activating a Psyche of Success — Part 2

by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist| Champion…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Activating a Psyche of Success

By Toni Gaddie, Clinical & Sports Psychologist| Champion…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Time to Achieve: To Set Goals or Not to Set Goals

If you are interested in the literature on achievement in many areas of life, it is almost certain that you are bound to come across the…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Champions Train Their Mental Toughness — Part 3

When competing locally or internationally, a top sportsperson knows that there will be a brief period of acclimatising to the different environment. During this acclimatisation, they…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Fortifying Your Heart and Mind with Your Mental Toolbox — Part 2

Mental Toughness Series for Handling Lockdown and Beyond –Inspired by Sports…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Mental Toughness for Handling Lockdown & Beyond — Part 1

Mental Toughness Series for Handling Lockdown and Beyond –Inspired by Sports…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

The Mentally Tough Process of Handling the Corona Virus

The Mentally Tough Process of Handling The Corona Virus: Inspired by Sports…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Mistakes and Failure: A Champion’s Formula

After more than twenty years of studying champions, I have realised that it is not the winning that determines the sustainability of a champion’s journey, but…

Jun 2026Read →
Leadership

Mentally Tough Leadership: Lessons from Our Springbok Rugby Team

Leadership in Sport, like in the corporate world, has a major influence on the culture, connection, and mind-set of each team member, and as a result…

Jun 2026Read →
Performance

It’s All in the Preparation: The Four Components of Preparation for World-Class Sport

Any athlete on an international level understands the critical role preparation plays in a world class context. Preparation on this level is complex. For the purpose…

Jun 2026Read →
Performance

Is There a Recipe for Rising Out of a Slump?

If you are or have been a serious sportsperson you know that the word “slump” can push your buttons. As a former professional sportsperson, when I…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

When Things Seem to Be Falling Apart, Just Go to the Bathroom

When things seem to be falling apart, and when you are feeling overwhelmed by the emotions and expectations of your performance and perhaps even overwhelmed by…

Jun 2026Read →
Business

The Benefits of Meditation for Entrepreneurs

The Benefits of Meditation for Entrepreneurs: Enhancing Personal Well-Being and Business…

Jun 2026Read →
Performance

Steps to Maintaining Peak Performance: Learning from Champions

One of the most distinguishing qualities that differentiate champions from the rest is not only the qualities that get them to the top, but equally important…

Jun 2026Read →
Performance

What Makes Great Sportspeople?

Over the last 25 years I have been studying the common factors that constitute great sports people. When they are training there are so many athletes…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Champions Access Support!

The path of striving to be your best is tough! Champions are conscious of who and what in their environments support their journey, and who or…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Adapting to a New Norm: Goal Setting & Mental Housekeeping — Part 6

According to the most influential specialists globally in GOAL ACHIEVEMENT, the two most important qualities needed to manifest anything from feeling motivated, to the executing of…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Lockdown: An Opportunity to Fortify Your Mindset — Part 5

by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist – The Champion…

Jun 2026Read →
Mental Toughness

Essentials for Handling a World of Intensity and Change — Part 4

Many professional sportspeople travel much of the year around the world in order to compete in events for their livelihood. This is why Professional athletes and…

Jun 2026Read →
Mindset

Is There a Recipe to Bring Out Your Greatest?

In the sport and performance industries everyone talks about “THE ZONE”, “THE FLOW” or being “ON A ROLL”. I am sure you have all heard the…

Jun 2026Read →
Performance

How Champions Harness the Effects of Adrenaline to Enhance Performance

How champions harness the effects of ADRENALINE enhancing performance Year end…

Jun 2026Read →
Uncategorised

Super Star, Little Mo Nationals Winner, Joshua Toledano (9), Arlington Texas!

So thrilled to celebrate, a ‘whole’ champion in the making Arlington/ Texas Little Mo Nationals Winner Joshua Toledano(9) !!!!! Huge excitement Joshua takes the title.

Jun 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Huge Congratulations Korona Rugara singles winner ITF J60 Prestori!

Winning an international tournament with players competing from all over the world with the intention of becoming professionals, takes another level of prowess. Korona Rugara is…

Jun 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Superb results Kristen Hannie, Rhythmic Gymnastics SA Team Africa Games!

Very excited to share Kristen Hannie’s (far left) excellent achievement in the Rythmic Gymnastic SA Team at the Africa Games, placing 2nd as a team and…

May 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Awesome Michelle Maine Fleming 2nd place podium, 334 Sporthorse Stud FEI World Cup Qualifier!

Phenomenal achievement Mish! A heartfelt, huge congratulations to you. A Whole Champion endures and celebrates the lows and highs of a long journey of growth and…

May 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Congratulations Kristen! South African Rhythmic Gymnastics Team

Managing nerves, focus and self belief is key to any performance situation, but even to just feeling fulfilled in daily life. Kristen Hannie is improving her…

May 2024Read →
Uncategorised

All the best to the Moonsammy brothers chosen for trial program (Football/Girona, Spain)

The Moonsammy brothers were chosen for the trial program in Girona, Spain. Matthew & Luke  whatever happens boys, keep fighting for your dream!

Apr 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Riverplate Argentina, Estadio Monumental seeing football at its finest.

Meeting with agents and checking out the world’s most beautiful game at its source: River Plate, Argentina. Their spirit and passion for the game is indescribable.

Apr 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Outstanding results Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin (Hockey & Cricket)

Congratulations to Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin on his leadership & sporting achievements, as well as his ‘Whole’ Champion mindset both on the field and off the field. –…

Apr 2024Read →
Uncategorised

334 Sporthorse Stud Gold Tour Grand Prix 2024

‘It is not about being 100%, 100% of the time – mental strength is about rising above internal and external conditions and using whatever it takes…

Feb 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Dakar Rally 2024, Super brilliant Saood! 16th out of 140 cars

Dakar Rally comes to an end – Saood Variawa finished 16th place out of 140 cars. For his first year of off-road racing, at only 18…

Jan 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Keep head strong, Saood, Dakar, Saudi Arabia (SA Team)

The Dakar Rally takes place in Saudi Arabia on Friday: At 18, Saood Variawa is the youngest South African to compete for the SA team. He…

Jan 2024Read →
Uncategorised

Special K, Kgothatso Montjane awarded Gauteng Sports Personality & Sportsman of the Year

Look who’s getting big, well deserved accolades: Kgothatso Montjane is the Gauteng Sports Personality and Sportsman of the year with a disability. Enjoy the magic Special…

Nov 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Kgothatso Montjane & Yui Kamiji upset top seeds to win the ITF Wheelchair Doubles Masters World Series Championships

What a way to end the year! Kgothatso Montjane has just won the ITF wheelchair doubles Masters World Series: Super proud of Kg – consistent mental…

Nov 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Brothers finish tops! Global touring Cars final race championships. Congratulations to Sa’aad & Saood Variawa!

It feels good to share good news: The Variawa brothers both won their events yesterday at the Global touring Cars final race championship! These brothers have…

Oct 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Outstanding! 1st Place, Lorette Knowles- Taylor 1,35m Steyn City Cup, show jumping

With experience and growth, regardless of profession, one realizes that the success journey is about pushing your boundaries, stretching your abilities, and challenges how much happier…

Sep 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Lorette does it again! Toyota Shongweni Festival Aug 2023

Only show jumpers know how tough it is to make a podium. Only top athletes know how difficult it is to maintain elite status in their…

Aug 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Congrats Lauren Cape!! World Cycling Championships, Scotland

Number 19th in the WHOLE WORLD, is the place where Lauren Cape came in the 2023 UCI GRAN FONDO WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS is Scotland! Unfortunately Nick…

Aug 2023Read →
Uncategorised

2023 UCI GRAN FONDO WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS, Scotland.

The 2023 UCI GRAN FONDO WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS is happening in Scotland on the 4th of August. Super proud of Lauren Cape (top left) and Nick…

Jul 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Wishing Kgothatso Montjane and her partner Yui Kamiji all the very best for tomorrow’s Wimbledon Wheelchair Doubles Final

The Montjane and Kamiji are looking for their second Grand Slam Title at SW19. They will be competing against Dutch duo Diede de Groot and Jiske…

Jul 2023Read →
Uncategorised

Roland Garros French Open/ Paris 2023 – Winner Wheelchair Doubles, Kogthatso Montjane, KG, Special K & Yui Kamiji.

History is made! Huge congrats to KG and Yui on their French Open, wheelchair Tennis Doubles Title. First Grand Slam Title for KG. We are thrilled…

Jun 2023Read →
Home

Youngest competitor,17 year old Saood Variawa wins his debut Rally-Race.

Outstanding achievement Saood Variawa, from coming second last on the final day, to overtaking 16 cars to finish 1st – winning his debut Rally-Raid race! He…

May 2023Read →
Home

Congratulations to Aarya Sunker on being selected for the South African Primary Schools Tennis Team

Congratulations Aarya Sunker on being selected for the South African Primary Schools Tennis Team. Outstanding achievement! Your dedication towards a tough mindset and hard work pays…

Apr 2023Read →
Home

Awesome achievement, Mpho Bowers first U12 TSA boys singles title

Congratulations to Mpho Bowers on your first u12 singles title!! Winner u12 boys singles, Tennis South Africa, Mini 1 in Pretoria. Mpho shows exceptional talent. He…

Apr 2023Read →
Home

What makes a Champion? Toni Gaddie (Sports & Clinical Psychologist) chats to SA’s football legend Doctor Khumalo

Feb 2022Read →
News Articles

Congratulations Liora Colley American Dance Awards and Eisteddford 2021!

Liora you did it! 8 weeks, 9 dances, you’ve put your heart and soul into many hours of intense physical and mental preparation. Outstanding results congrattualions…

Oct 2021Read →
News Articles

South African Spring Open 2021, awesome day at Ellis Park supporting our South African Champions

Kgothatso Montjane, SA Spring Open singles title winner for the second year in a row and, Alwande Sikhosana who achieved his first professional title in the…

Sep 2021Read →
News Articles

Tokyo Paralympics, Kgothatso Montjane our very own South African Flag Bearer!

With immense pride and lots of emotion, beautiful Kgothatso Montjane aka Special K is one of the SA flag bearers at the opening of today’s Paralympics…

Aug 2021Read →
News Articles

Tokyo, Olympic South African Artistic Swimming Duet achieved their goal!!

“Super proud of our Olympic South African Artistic swimming duet, Clarissa Johnston and Laura Strugnell! They achieved their goal of over 70 points in both their…

Aug 2021Read →
News Articles

Tokyo Olympics 2021/2022, South African Synchronised Swimming Team competing today, 12:30pm DSTV ch203.

Aug 2021Read →
News Articles

Toni Gaddie advises entrepeneurs on The Big Small Business Show, BDTV, ch412

Catch Allon Raiz and Toni Gaddie discussing what so many entrepreneurs are going through right now. Many have suffered significant losses. Insightsful content and valuable advice.…

Jul 2021Read →
News Articles

The Wimbledon Final 2021@KGmontjane1

This is a momentous day for KG Montjane, aka, Special K! You are making South Africa proud today. This is what all the hard work has been…

Jul 2021Read →
News Articles

Hyperbaric Therapy – “I got more than I bargained for!” by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist| Champion Academy

“Never judge another person’s misgivings or inappropriate behaviour”, I constantly remind myself. “You may never, fortunately, have to ever experience the desperate context from where it…

Jun 2021Read →
News Articles

Join Toni Gaddie and other Healthcare experts discussing Healthcare Workers & Sports Bio-Bubbles, Webinar Thursday 29th April 2021 18:00

Welcoming all to join this informative webinar. Leading Healthcare Workers Dr Levarson Pillay (Team Physician Highveld Lions), Craig Govender (formerly Physiotherapist Highveld Lions), Toni Gaddie (Sports…

Apr 2021Read →
News Articles

How Champions use their ADRENALINE to enhance performance by Toni Gaddie, Sports and Clinical Psychologist| Champion Academy

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, especially in matches when the pressure is on, and you and others expect you to deliver the…

Apr 2021Read →
News Articles

Congratulations to super star Lorette Knowles-Taylor on winning The Presidents Cup 2021, 1.50 Competition!!!

Smiling inside for Lorette- Knowles Taylor, who won The Presidents Cup 2021 after planned and deliberate long-term physical and mental work. Lorette is not only a…

Mar 2021Read →
News Articles

Activating A Psyche of Success -Part 2- by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist | Champion Academy

The synergy of using the processes of a successful psyche – Self-awareness, Intuition, and Attention (link to Activating A Psyche of Success) together with nurturing the…

Feb 2021Read →
News Articles

Activating a Psyche of Success- Part 1- by Toni Gaddie, Sports and Clinical Psychologist| Champion Academy

What are the mental qualities that you need to be successful? I was interviewed on Business Day TV about the psyche of success. The interviewer requested…

Feb 2021Read →
Uncategorised

How to deal with depression in the workplace| Toni Gaddie, Clinical and Performance Psychologist

https://youtu.be/c0Z7yvaacUA

Oct 2020Read →
News Articles

How do ‘Whole’ Champions stay motivated? by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist| Champion Academy

The latest research on the brain demonstrates that EXCITEMENT is the biggest predictor of STAYING MOTIVATED. Therefore, you need to figure out what keeps you excited…

Sep 2020Read →
News Articles

How Champions make the most of the support around them- 6 step formula by Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist| Champion Academy

The path of striving to be your best is tough! Champions are conscious of who and what in their environments support their journey, and who or…

Sep 2020Read →
News Articles

Time to achieve….. to set GOALS or NOT to Set GOALS by Toni Gaddie, Sports and Clinical Psychologist|Champion Academy

If you are interested in the literature on achievement in many areas of life, it is almost certain that you are bound to come across the…

Jul 2020Read →
Home

The Big Small Business Show: Creating a routine in the new normal with Toni Gaddie, Clinical & Performance Psychologist

https://youtu.be/gsjFZI3_2bg

Jun 2020Read →
News Articles

Growing Mental Fortitude the ‘Whole’ Champion way- Webinar Investec Motivational Training-Toni Gaddie, Sports & Clinical Psychologist

Toni’s study of champions over the past 20 years has culminated in the many secrets of champions. Watch the video clip- Growing Mental Fortitude the ‘Whole’…

May 2020Read →
Blog

Lockdown conversation with South Africa’s leading showjumper and coach, Lorette Knowles Taylor

  Lorette says “Toni is my go-to person. I’ve been working with her for 9 years.” She shares how sports psychology has benefitted her, her family…

May 2020Read →
Uncategorised

Mental toughness for handling lockdown –Inspired by Sports Champions by Toni Gaddie

The other night I dreamed that my husband had an affair and left home! It was so vivid and I was aware of how profoundly disturbed…

Apr 2020Read →
Uncategorised

Toni inspires the Farnham Horsejumping School’s, Gauteng Team members, in preparation for the upcoming Interprovincial Junior Championships.

Nov 2019Read →
Blog

So proud of our South African Wheel Chair tennis star, Evans Maripa, who clinched the Thailand Open Title.

Nov 2019Read →
Uncategorised

Mentally Tough Leadership- Lessons from our Springbok Rugby Team by Toni Gaddie

Leadership in Sport, like in the corporate world, has a major influence on the culture, connection, and mindset of each team member, and as a result…

Nov 2019Read →
Uncategorised

Titles at the SA Spring Open 2019

Oct 2019Read →
Uncategorised

Wheel Chair tennis star, KG Montjane to compete at the 2019 US OPEN

Best of luck to South Africa’s leading tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane who will be competing at the 2019 US Open this week.

Sep 2019Read →
News Articles

Is There A Recipe For Rising Out Of A Slump?

Apr 2019Read →
Uncategorised

Toni inspires cream of South African junior tennis at the Growthpoint national junior camp on Sunday 27th Jan 2019 at the HPC in Pretoria. Toni spoke about “there’s more to life than just tennis and there’s more to tennis than just tennis”. All were motivated and excited to reach for their dreams.

Jan 2019Read →
Blog

Toni Gaddie and Rikki Gaddie Dworcan with the South African Federation Cup Captain Rene Plant at the TSA Next Gen Federation Cup Conference July 2018

Wonderful opportunity to inspire and motivate South Africa’s best.

Jul 2018Read →
News Articles

“To set goals or not to set goals” by Toni Gaddie

If you are interested in the literature on achievement in many areas of life, it is almost certain that you are bound to come across the…

Jul 2018Read →
Uncategorised

Toni inspires 24 of South Africa’s top tennis players at the TSA next Gen Federation Cup conference

Jul 2018Read →
News Articles

” Less is more”- Allow yourself to just BE

Success in sport mirrors success in life. All the same ingredients are necessary such as hard work, giving your best, commitment, focused attention, resilience, and a…

Jun 2018Read →
Uncategorised

SA’s number 1 wheelchair tennis champ heads for Europe

South Africa’s highest-ranked wheelchair tennis men’s player Evans Maripa is heading to Europe this February for two major international tournaments… The world No 12 from Limpopo…

Feb 2018Read →
Uncategorised

SA Wheelchair tennis star Montjane claims Swiss Open Title

Outstanding performance by KG Montjane, SA’s number top wheelchair tennis ace who defeated Germany’s Katharina Kruger in the women’s final in Geneva Switzerland to claim her…

Jul 2017Read →
Uncategorised

Lucas Sithole another South African Open Wheelchair Tennis Singles Title 2017

Lucas Sithole holds his trophy after winning his singles final to add another Wheelchair Tennis South African Open title to his name. An incredible match Lucas…

Jun 2017Read →
Uncategorised

Aisling O’Connor Winner 6 Bar Event Nissan Easter Fest Kyalami 2017

Aisling O’Connor you blew us away!!!! Outstanding mental toughness, keep up the hard work

Jun 2017Read →
Blog

Mental Strength – Article from Sporting Horse Magazine (July 2016)

Lorette Knowles Taylor speaks about how visiting a sports psychologist, Toni Gaddie empacted hugely on her mental strength.

Sep 2016Read →
Blog

South African Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Team – Rio 2016

Sep 2016Read →
Blog

Lorette Knowles Taylor epitomises the “Whole Champion”

Sep 2016Read →
News Articles

Choose physical and mental health above all else – 5 Tips by Toni Gaddie

http://www.biznews.com/thought-leaders/2015/11/08/toni-gaddie-5-tips-choose-physical-mental-health-above-all-else/  

Sep 2016Read →
Blog

The 2014 South African Women’s Tennis Federation Cup Team

The Champion Academy trained the 2014 South African Womens Federation Cup  squad  which consisted of 9 playing members, namely Chanel Simmonds, Madrie le Roux, Natasha Fouroulas,…

Sep 2016Read →
Blog

The 2014 South African National Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior and Senior Team

The National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team achieved excellent results at the recent African Championships. They were the strongest as a team and individually for many years. Read…

Sep 2016Read →
Blog

The Big Small Business Show – 15 May 2015

Toni was one of the guest speakers on The Big Small Business Show early last year, where she discussed the Psyche of Success with show host…

Aug 2016Read →
Blog

Toni Gaddie: 5 Tips. Choose physical, mental health above all else.

Traumatic events generally lead to reflection in one’s life. And in the case of Toni Gaddie, who’s a ‘Champion Coach’, her son’s battle with encephalitis brought…

Aug 2016Read →
News Articles

Desire Trumps Beliefs by Toni Gaddie

I recently worked with Paralympians whom I prepared for the Paralympics, which took place immediately after the Olympics in Rio. At the Champion Academy, both my…

Aug 2016Read →
News Articles

“Less is More” by Toni Gaddie

Success in sport mirrors success in life. All the same ingredients are necessary such as hard work, giving your best, commitment, focused attention, resilience, and a…

Jul 2016Read →
Blog

How to nurture a healthy, competitive spirit in your child or student?

At a cricket match this week, I happened to be one of the mom’s sitting on the side of the field watching their sons. It was…

Mar 2016Read →
Blog

THE PSYCHE OF SUCCESS

What are the mental qualities that you need to be successful? Just recently, I was interviewed on Business Day TV about the psyche of success. From…

Jul 2015Read →
Blog

The Champion Academy interviewed on The Big Small Business TV Show.

Your page does not support video playback The Big Small Business Show on BusinessDay TV, DSTV channel 412 is sponsored by MTN Business and the South…

Jan 2014Read →
Blog

Updates from our previous course

Our Mastering Pressure and Champion Toolkit courses(2013) were an incredible success. We were fully booked! Unfortunately, we had to turn eager athletes, performers and business executives…

Jul 2013Read →
Blog

Little me and GREAT ME

My dream was to win Wimbledon

Jul 2013Read →
Blog

7 Secrets of Champions

What is it that makes one athlete brilliant and the other merely very good? Sports Psychologist TONI GADDIE digs deeper……… As a little girl I dreamt…

Jun 2013Read →