Shame and embarrassment are constant threats in sports because the game is usually played in front of people. He suggests that shame is a narcissistic disturbance that impacts many who perform in front of an audience. Success or winning in an athlete can induce a feeling of separation from the family, the opponent or the crowd and this can produce considerable anxiety and shame. This shame and anxiety can inhibit performance. Conflicts that winning brings loss and separation derive from childhood when the child is given the message to stay close to the mother and never to leave her.
Separation anxiety induced by winning or the threat of winning is exceedingly common.
I was working with a professional female golfer who was leading a tournament up the 71st hole. Performing in front of a crowd provides enormous exhibitionistic excitement. This can bring with it a sense of shame that one is indulging in a taboo. I had a patient who was an extremely attractive female tennis player. She developed a growing sense of dread the better she became.