Final answer:
The two major sources of stress for junior elite athletes, such as high school wrestlers and distance runners, are performance expectations and social evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major sources of stress experienced by junior elite athletes, specifically in the context of elite high school wrestlers and distance runners, are performance expectations and social evaluation. These sources of stress relate to the intense pressure athletes feel to perform well in their sports, coupled with the scrutiny and judgment they may face from their peer groups, coaches, family members, and the public. The notion of performance expectations encompasses the standards set by themselves, their coaches, and the sports community. Social evaluation refers to the opinions, comments, and potential criticism from others. Understandably, excelling in sports while managing a high school workload can intensify these sources of stress.
Stress, which is the body's response to any demand for change, can be categorized as either eustress or distress. Eustress, the beneficial type of stress, can lead to improved performance and well-being up to an optimal level. However, when the stress becomes overwhelming or excessive (distress), it can negatively impact an athlete's performance and even health. The pressure to maintain high performance in sports while balancing academic requirements can be a significant source of distress for student athletes.