Where the bright eyes of the world come to cheer for their favorite athletes while in competition at the Olympic Games, there is a different tale behind the scenes: one of struggle and resilience, often of silent battles, however, as their physical prowess is celebrated, one also needs to understand the mental health challenges these elite competitors face after so many years of arduous training and competition.
Most athletes start from a very young age and practice hours daily, when that time should be spent playing in childhood. Everything taken to the extreme can become bad; it’s like a sword with two sides. Consider the story of Emma Malabuyo, an Olympic gymnast whose life was filled with balance beam and floor routines. “I would train every single day, and sometimes for eight hours. It was exciting, yet the pressure was overwhelming. Once the Olympics were over, I really didn’t know who I was without my sport.“ she recounts.
The Olympic arena is an impossibly high-stakes one. Every athlete carries the pressure of performance and that of their families, coaches, and fellow citizens. Every moment counts; every misstep can result in shattered dreams in but a second.
Simone Biles made this a prominent topic of public discourse during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she pulled out of the competition to attend to her mental health. This was not a personal decision but a statement that echoed across the globe. “We’re human, not robots,” Biles said in interviews. “Athletes should never have to choose between their mental health and their sport.
Similarly, competitive swimmer Caeleb Dressel has been open about the pressures of competition. “People don’t realize how much mental strain goes into this. I love what I do, but there are days when it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders,” he said. Dressel advocates for openness about mental health: “If you’re struggling, you should feel safe to reach out and seek help. The applause and confetti are over, and for many athletes, “post-Olympic depression” sets in. The transition is sometimes too sudden after years of ruthless training and building up toward this one ultimate aim of participation in the Games. According to Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports psychologist, “Following the fade of the spotlight, athletes often find themselves dealing with a loss of purpose. They have spent their entire lives dedicated to their sport, and now they face the hard task of redefining themselves without it.”
That’s a monumental challenge.
In the aftermath of this fight, many of these athletes come out stronger from their ordeal, using the experience to proclaim awareness about mental health. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, has been open about his struggle with mental health, encouraging people to seek help. “It’s O.K. not to be O.K.,” he said in an interview recently. “We need to have conversations about mental health. It’s just as important as our physical health.”
Dressel mirrors the vital importance of support systems. “You can’t do it yourself,” he said. “You have a good team around you—friends, family, coaches—it means the world. We need to break the stigma and create a culture where mental health is a priority.”
Realizing the immediacy of this problem, many sports clubs are now trying to introduce mental health programs tailored for athletes. These programs include counseling, workshops on coping with life’s challenges and establishing support networks. Dr. Thompson confirms there is still a need for this kind of continuous support: “Athletes should know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to their strength. They need tools to cope with the unique challenges they face.”
While awed by all the Olympic competitors can do, let us remember the human side of their journey. Let us cultivate a culture that will protect the minds of the athletes, not just in the pursuit of gold but more so for their well-being. The road to the Olympics is paved with hard work and dedication, while equally important is recognizing and supporting the mental health of these remarkable people. As fans and advocates, let’s keep supporting their athletic achievements and, most importantly, their courage in sharing their stories of struggles and resilience. Going forward, we must commit to fostering an environment that respects the mind and body of every competitor and enables future athletes to compete successfully without sacrificing their mental well-being.
