# 206: HOW TO BECOME AN ELITE ATHLETE FT. RICHARD COLLINS

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/bodybuilding-down-under-5456412/206-how-to-become-an-elite-athlete-ft-richard-collins.md
Podcast: [Bodybuilding Down Under](https://stenobird.com/podcast/bodybuilding-down-under-5456412)
Published: 2026-04-28T18:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://bodybuildingdownunder.podbean.com/e/206-how-to-become-an-elite-athlete-ft-richard-collins/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/327rqp2iuqtvkgab/206.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/bodybuilding-down-under-5456412/episodes/206-how-to-become-an-elite-athlete-ft-richard-collins
Duration seconds: 2264

## Resource

Welcome to Episode 206 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast! This week we are joined by special guest Richard Collins, a coach whose background spans basketball, football and strength and conditioning across semi-professional and professional sport before transitioning into the bodybuilding and body composition world. Richard breaks down a concept he's developed around categorising athletes as either developmental or performance-based, borrowing directly from how traditional sports structure their coaching at junior versus elite levels, and explains why so many bodybuilders who never played competitive sport may be missing foundational skills around competing, handling losses and staying process-driven. We also dig into what really separates a pro card holder from a truly elite athlete, why composure and emotional regulation are probably the most underrated traits in the sport, and how coaches can build those skills in the off season rather than waiting for stage day to expose the gaps. Richard also touches on the importance of rewarding effort over outcome, not letting athletes attach their identity to a single result, and how the best competitors across all sports tend to thrive on challenge rather than crumble under pressure. Enjoy! Instagram Handles: Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/ Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/ Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/ Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/ Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/ Richard Collins: https://www.instagram.com/richard_collins_coach/

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