How can flexibility enhance an athlete's performance?

Flexibility plays a critical role in enhancing an athlete's performance primarily by improving the range of motion. When an athlete has greater flexibility, their muscles, joints, and tendons can move through their full potential range, which can lead to more effective movements in their sport. This improved range of motion allows for better execution of techniques, which can enhance overall performance in activities that require agility, balance, and coordination.

Additionally, flexibility can aid in injury prevention, as it allows the body to adapt to various stresses and movements with less risk. For instance, athletes with greater flexibility may experience less strain on their muscles and joints, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuries.

In contrast to the correct answer, reducing the intensity of workouts does not directly relate to flexibility; it may affect performance negatively if not managed properly. Limiting mobility is contrary to the benefits of flexibility, as increased mobility is desired for athletic performance. Lastly, increasing the chance of injuries runs counter to the benefits of flexibility, as one of the main advantages of having good flexibility is the reduced risk of injuries during physical activity. Thus, the improvement in range of motion and performance enhancement aligns perfectly with the benefits provided by flexibility.