What is the definition of hardiness in sports?

In the study of sport injuries, hardiness refers to mental qualities which are considered resources that enhance athletes’ capacity to bounce back from challenging, stressful encounters (such as sport injuries) through effective adaptation.

The three components of athletic mental hardiness are challenge, commitment, and control:

- Athletes high in challenge respond to adverse situations as opportunities for growth with the belief that even bad situations have positive aspects.

-Athletes high in commitment demonstrate determination despite the presence of challenging obstacles. 

-Athletes high in control feel a personal agency with regard to events of life so that negative experiences do not feel overwhelming but may actually provide opportunities for personal  improvement.