Last week we said goodbye to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and we’re still not over the amazing stories that came out of the event. Thankfully, the Paralympic Games starts next week. But before they begin, we thought it was timely to reflect on how athletes are changing the game around mental health.
They are bravely sharing their own stories about navigating stress, anxiety and trauma, and in the past few years it has caused the IOC to create the program Athlete365, which encompasses athlete wellbeing including sleep, and a helpline.
In our previous post here we celebrated four athletes who have shared more about mental health and self care. Here’s four more you can’t miss knowing about.
PV Sindhu
As a badminton player for India, PV Sindhu is a trailblazer. She is the first female in her country to pick up an Olympic silver in her sport, and also received bronze at the Tokyo games. Growing up in the public spotlight in addition to her training resume, she knows that having safe people to talk about everyday struggles and feelings is essential.
She spoke to Olympics.com about being transparent with mental health and asking for help. “A lot of people don't come forward and don't see it or they think that it is a thing where they need to hide it. But I think you don't have to hide anything about it. It is important,” she shared.
“It is good that you let go and you see what you're feeling and I'm sure there are people to help you out because this is not something like a disease where you have to keep it to yourself and take it for the rest of your life. If you let go, it makes you feel free."
Noah Lyles
Gold medalist American sprinter Noah Lyles sees mental health as an integrated part of his life. Growing up with ADHD, asthma and dyslexia, he has also gone through significant religious trauma after growing up in a religious cult.
Lyles been in therapy since the age of 9, and this has taught him essential strategies to develop resilience, endurance and self belief. And ultimately, even though he tested positive for COVID-19 days before the Paris Games, he was able to heal and feel strong mentally and physically.
Ilona Maher
This bronze winning rugby superstar became famous after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and in the years since has been outspoken about navigating mental health and self image. In a conversation with People Magazine, she shared that she speaks to her psychologist about her feelings, the tension of fame, and also relies on her support system.
Maher has also changed the cultural narrative about women’s health and body image, showing that health isn’t one size (or BMI) fits all, but is a personal journey. “Don’t let anybody try to define or dictate how you feel about yourself. You get to decide that,” she shared on Instagram.
Viktor Axelsen
Currently the number one badminton player in the world, Viktor Axelsen from Denmark has two world titles and gold medals from Tokyo and Paris to his name. Embracing mental health and vulnerability has been crucial to his health as he has moved internationally and found success in his sport.
He told Olympics.com, "[It's] the ability to be vulnerable and speak out about whatever. If you're nervous about something, if there's something you don't feel like it's working for you or you feel like the expectations are too much. There are many, many different things which can play with your mind. Try to have someone to talk about it and not be afraid."
