Hesitation is costly in sports but essential to life – neuroscientists identified its brain circuitry

By Eric Yttri, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University

At the Winter Olympics, skiers, bobsledders, speedskaters and many other athletes all have to master one critical moment: when to start. That split second is paramount during competition because when everyone is strong and skilled, a moment of hesitation can separate gold from silver. A competitor who hesitates too much will be left behind – but moving too early will get them disqualified.

Though the circumstances are…

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