Media

Media

Dr Amy Izycky
Dr Amy Izycky

MEDIA

MEDIA

Dr. Amy Izycky is a prominent voice in the exploration of the psychological demands of elite performance, contributing to national media, specialised podcasts, and literature that bridges the gap between high performance and mental health.

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Books

Skewed to the Right: Sport, Mental Health & Vulnerability (2021)

This personal and professional exploration delves into the complexities of sporting culture. Dr. Izycky examines how personality traits celebrated in athletes – such as discipline, sacrifice, and focus – can simultaneously create significant vulnerabilities. The title refers to the statistical “bell curve,” suggesting that elite athletes are “skewed to the right” on key traits that place them between the general population and clinical diagnoses.

The book features insights and personal stories from high-profile figures, including:

  • Luke Stoltman (World’s Strongest Man competitor) on obsessionality
  • Graeme Fowler (England Cricketer) on focus
  • Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Jack Rutter on the challenges of injury and retirement
  • Nigel Owens on acceptance in elite sport

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Amy Izycky addresses areas of controversy head on and this refreshing and necessary approach underlines that such issues should not be controversial because as a society we should be addressing them as mainstream concerns. Then we may be able to adopt good practice and truly demonstrate a duty of care. I for one will be a better practitioner for reading this highly informative, well-structured book. I believe that many more people who have been exposed to the idiosyncrasies and questionable practice in elite sport, will say the same.

Dr Bryan English

Head of Medicine, Leicester City Football Club; previous Chief Medical Officer at Middlesbrough AFC, Chelsea FC, The Lawn Tennis Association, and UK Athletics

An exploration of the liminal space where sporting achievement and mental ill health are uncomfortable bedfellows, this book feels long overdue. […] Izycky asks difficult questions, explores paradoxes, isn’t afraid to draw a conclusion where it’s warranted but is equally comfortable to sit with not-knowing. She writes with clarity, explaining key concepts and addressing issues that appertain far beyond the sports field alone.

Nick Campion

Therapy Today

That what makes a person exceptional in sport can also be their ultimate weakness. Dr Amy Izycky has cleverly combined storytelling alongside a more scientific narrative, based in theory. Bringing this all-important phenomenon home to us all, in such an interesting way.

Dr Zoe Williams

Former Gladiator, GP, & TV Presenter

There has always been a fascination with what makes an elite performing sportsperson, but few have taken a deep look into what the cost of that might be. Dr Amy Izycky tackles this discussion with amazing detail and insight but also with sensitivity. If you are interested in truly understanding elite performance in sport then this is a book you must read.

Luke Sutton

Former Professional Cricketer & Now High Profile Sports Agent

Books

High Performance in Balance (Upcoming)

Building on her first book, Skewed to the Right: Sport, Mental Health & Vulnerability, Dr. Izycky is currently authoring her second work, High Performance in Balance. This upcoming publication integrates her personal and professional experience to guide readers in developing a regulated mind-body “system” that optimises performance and wellbeing without the negative consequences of addiction or poor mental health.

Central to this work is an exploration of the biological and psychological foundations of managing the nervous system alongside one’s psychology. Dr. Izycky observes that high-pressure environments often leave individuals in an “upregulated” or “tired but wired” state, dominated by the sympathetic nervous system. Her approach encourages engaging the parasympathetic nervous system through physical and psychological practices – such as Yoga Nidra and Internal Family Systems (IFS) – to transition from dysregulation toward stability, peace, and cognitive sharpening. At its core, she maintains that an individual’s vulnerability is their greatest asset, provided it can be witnessed and noticed with compassion.

Notable Mentions In addition to her own publications, Dr. Izycky’s work and expertise are featured in other notable titles, including:

Tom and Luke Stoltman: Lifting

by Tom and Luke Stoltmam

Champion Thinking

by Simon Mundie

Coming Soon

High Performance in Balance

Journalism

Dr. Izycky is a contributor to The Guardian, where she applies psychological insights to contemporary sporting events. Her published articles include:

  • How Jigsaws, Lego and Sourdough helped the Lionesses with the Euros
  • Danny Rose’s openness about his mental ill health is commendable

Podcasts & Interviews

She is a frequent guest on podcasts exploring the intersection of psychology and sports excellence, including:

  • Simon Mundie’s Podcast: Challenging the Champion Narrative: Dr Amy Izycky
  • The Sport Excellence Podcast with David Charlton: Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport
  • The Odd Ball Woody Show: Featuring former Rugby League international Paul Wood
  • Slogging It Cricket Podcast: Dr. Amy Izycky – The Doctor has arrived!

Fitness Articles

Tom and Luke Stoltman – Strength in Vulnerability article.

Media Inquiries

For media appearances, interviews, or consultancy work, please contact Dr. Izycky directly via the Contact Page.

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