And in further support of what you are saying, when I'm in the flow state, either for programming or for workout or for other hobbies, I am not conscious. That's kind-of the definition of flow.

or people who describe an expert as someone who is unconsciously competent, they no longer have to think about what they are doing they just "know".

And as yallpendantools is saying, operating at that level of expertise is much much more than sheer muscle memory, though the muscle memory is critical. My typing skill certainly helps me find flow in my programming work, I don't have to think about how to type each letter, when I'm in flow the ideas "just appear" on the screen.

So rather than saying the competitors turn off their conscious brain, maybe it is better to say that they transcend it?