Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of athlete burnout?

In the context of athlete burnout, increased focus stands out as an atypical sign because burnout is generally characterized by a state of mental and physical exhaustion, leading to reduced performance and diminished motivation.

When athletes experience burnout, they often feel fatigued, both mentally and physically, which hampers their ability to concentrate and stay engaged in their sport. Loss of motivation is also a hallmark of burnout; athletes may lose interest or passion for training and competition that once drove their commitment. Additionally, decreased performance is a direct consequence of the emotional and physical toll that burnout takes on an athlete. In contrast, increased focus typically indicates a heightened state of engagement and performance, which is opposite to what occurs during burnout. This is why identifying increased focus as not a typical sign of athlete burnout is significant; it highlights the contrast between healthy engagement and the debilitating effects of burnout.