Change the first letter of each pair of words to form two new words beginning with the same letter. E.g. HIVE and LUMP could become JIVE and JUMP.

The new initial letters, when rearranged, will spell out a word associated with successful athletes.

BUMP   ___   MOCK

COPE   ___   BEAD

TIDE   ___   DIMS

FAME   ___   PICK

TARN   ___   FAST

CAKE   ___    KIND

LAND   ___   NEAR

CONS   ___    STEM

Puzzle courtesy of Mensa member Peter Hooton