When gymnasts compete and their ego is on the line, they set themselves up to fail big. Winning becomes too important and losing becomes a crushing humiliation, something to be avoided at all costs. In this light we can certainly understand the behavior of young athletes who are driven to unsportsmanlike actions. A preoccupation with winning and losing puts excessive pressure on the athlete, tightening them up physically and mentally. With so much at stake, the athlete's movements get tentative, self-conscious, and awkward.
Concentration becomes impossible as the mind races, entertaining distorted fears and the what ifs.
The athlete is now unable to take the risks so necessary for optimal performance. Furthermore, athletes don't have fun when they believe their self-worth is on the line. Winning is definitely important and losing is no fun. There has never been a champion who likes to lose. In fact, elite athletes hate losing with a passion.