From the Latin con, meaning for, and fidere, trust, confidence is typically understood as an attribute possessed by subjects who trust their own abilities and judgement, are self-reliant and assured.
Confident athletes enter competition certain in the knowledge that they will achieve their goal.
Confident competitors approach contests with the belief or degree of certainty about their ability to be successful. However it must be acknowledged that confidence is unstable, can be developed, damaged and sometimes even destroyed by events and personalities. Therefore it is essential for athletes to focus on maintaining and developing this powerful attribute.