# Professor Gavin Kilduff's research on athletic rivalry and performance is referenced

1 Faculty News January 31, 2017 ![U.S. News and World Report logo](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_030501.jpg?itok=1EF-s0wb)>

Excerpt from [US News & World Report](http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2017-01-31/these-weird-rituals-really-can-make-you-a-better-athlete) -- "'Some people may find it surprising that runners actually pick one and another out \[to try to beat\] at these kind of races, but my experiences speaking with them suggests they indeed do,' said lead author [Gavin Kilduff](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/gavin-kilduff)..."

[Read more](http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2017-01-31/these-weird-rituals-really-can-make-you-a-better-athlete)