Can Athletes Handle More Pain?

Can Athletes Handle More Pain?
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Sherrod Martin #23 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Sherrod Martin #23 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

We see it all the time: The NFL running back who's tackled by a 270 pound linebacker; the ultra-marathoner who pounds through 100 miles of trails; and the soccer striker who battles injury and dominates the Olympic Games. So what helps athletes who get knocked down get back up again? Scientists have found compared to the average Joe, athletes certain cognitive strategies that help them deal with the pain.

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