Grace Upshaw Tyler
Two-Time Olympian
Hi, I'm Grace. I have spent the majority of my life developing the potential inside of me into a world-class competitor — from high school athletics to the Olympic Games.
What I learned along the way is that although the physical body is the vessel, it is the mind that harnesses our raw power into a focused tool to accomplish any goal we set.
Training Philosophy
There is a precision of movement that can be achieved through an awareness of body position, sensation, and control. With any program that I individually design, the athlete is encouraged to understand the purpose of the movement and tune into their own body to understand the movement chain connecting the body and the mind in a powerful way. Cultivating body-mind awareness allows an athlete to discover a balance that is the foundation for athletic success.
Awareness of Body:
Technique
Reconnecting with our body is essential in understanding how it moves. Listening to the information it is communicating to us is essential to staying healthy. A basic understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy is helpful to any aspiring athlete. It’s critical to know how our body works and moves as a whole and understanding the power of countermovement when executing a technical aspect. To reach a high level of athleticism, it is important to study the biomechanics of what an athlete is hoping to accomplish. Precision of movement takes time, understanding, and body awareness.
Power of Mind:
Focus
When we quiet our mind, we find clarity, in the moment, and in the task at hand. We begin to understand what our goals are and what is needed to achieve those goals. Once things are broken down and simplified, anything can feel attainable. Mindfulness, visualization, and meditation help our precision of focus. With so many demands on the physical body, mental training and preparation can take a backseat. However, this is the element that is integral in making an athlete respond with precise skill and focus to any high-pressure competitive environment.
Strength of Spirit:
Balance
We each have a fire inside of us that burns strong. What happens to us when things go wrong may be different for all of us, but at the core it is our spirit that keeps us fighting to come back from any setback. Finding the right balance in our lives helps lay the foundation for success in achieving our goals. Surrounding ourselves with people that support our journey is just as important as providing support to those people that are important to us. Set yourself up for success by learning from any failures or setbacks. Balance can be gained from setbacks, injuries and losses, as long as we pay attention.
Whether it be body, mind, or spirit, Grace can help you reach your full potential. Get in touch here for a free consultation.
Spring 2027
Jump Squad with Joy’s Jackrabbits
Eight Sundays, eight athletes, one coach who has jumped in two Olympic finals. Small-group long jump training March–May at Fisher Field, in partnership with Joy’s Jackrabbits Track Club.
Journal
