In the high-stakes world of the Olympic Games, where the pursuit of athletic excellence is paramount, the mental well-being of the competitors has often been eclipsed by their physical prowess.
However, in recent years, a growing chorus of elite athletes has begun to shed light on the mental health challenges they face, shattering the long-held perception of Olympians as superhuman beings immune to the struggles of the mind.
The spotlight has shone particularly bright on three prominent figures in the world of sports: Simone Biles, a renowned American gymnast; Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time; and Naomi Osaka, a Japanese tennis star. All three athletes have courageously stepped forward to share their battles with mental health, inspiring a much-needed conversation about the mental health of Olympic athletes.
Simone Biles: Prioritizing Mental Health over Gold
Simone Biles, a multiple gold medalist and one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time, stunned the world when she withdrew from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health concerns.
Biles, who had been expected to dominate the competition, explained that the immense pressure and stress had taken a toll on her well-being, leading her to prioritize her mental health over the pursuit of gold medals.
I say put mental health first because if you don’t, then you’re not going to enjoy your score and you’re not gonna succeed as much as you want to. So, it’s okay sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself because it shows how strong of a competitor or a person that you really are. – Simone Biles
In response, the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committee, and Paralympic organizations have taken steps to prioritize the mental health of their athletes.
This includes establishing dedicated mental health support services, crisis intervention, and educational programs to destigmatize these issues in the sports community.
Michael Phelps’ Brave Battle: Shattering the Stigma of Mental Health in Sports
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals, has been open about his struggles with mental health issues throughout his illustrious career.
Phelps has spoken candidly about his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts, which he first experienced during the 2004 Athens Olympics. Despite his unparalleled success in the pool, Phelps grappled with a deep sense of emptiness and hopelessness after achieving his lifelong dream of winning Olympic gold.
I was so lost after the 2004 Olympics. I didn’t want to be alive anymore. I remember sitting in my room for four or five days, not wanting to be alive, not wanting to see anybody. – Michael Phelps
This revelation shattered the perception of Phelps as an invincible athlete, highlighting the mental health challenges that even the most successful Olympians can face.
In the years that followed, Phelps continued to struggle with his mental health, battling substance abuse issues and experiencing a DUI arrest in 2014. It was during this challenging period that Phelps began to prioritize his mental well-being, seeking professional help and embracing a more open dialogue about the importance of addressing mental health in the sports community.
Phelps’ courage in sharing his story has been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health struggles among Olympians and other elite athletes. He has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to encourage others to seek support and break the silence around these critical issues.
Phelps’ experiences underscore the immense pressure and emotional toll that elite athletes can face, even at the pinnacle of their careers. His journey is a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals are not immune to the challenges of maintaining mental health and well-being in the high-stakes world of sports.
Naomi Osaka: A Watershed Moment for Mental Health in Sports
Naomi Osaka, a French Open and U.S. Open champion, faced a reckoning similar to Biles at the 2021 French Open, where she withdrew from the tournament after refusing to participate in mandatory press conferences, citing mental health reasons.
Osaka’s decision sparked a broader discussion about the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes and the need for greater support and understanding.
You can never please everyone. The world is as divided now as I can remember in my short 23 years. Issues that are so obvious to me at face value, like wearing a mask in a pandemic or kneeling to show support for anti-racism, are ferociously contested. I mean, wow. So, when I said I needed to miss the French Open press conferences to take care of myself mentally, I should have been prepared for what unfolded. – Naomi Osaka
The openness of trailblazers like Biles, Phelps, and Osaka has paved the way for a more inclusive and understanding approach to mental health in sports. By sharing their stories and advocating for change, these athletes have inspired new competitors to prioritize their well-being and seek the support they need.
As the world eagerly awaits the next Olympic Games, this conversation must continue to evolve, ensuring that the pursuit of athletic excellence is balanced with the mental and emotional resilience of the individuals who make it possible.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among Olympians
These high-profile cases have shed light on the prevalence of mental health issues among Olympians and other high-level athletes. While the physical demands of their sports are undeniable, the emotional and psychological toll can be equally, if not more, taxing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, as Olympians have had to navigate the uncertainty and isolation. The cancellation and postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, coupled with the restrictions and disruptions to training and competition, have taken a significant toll on the mental well-being of athletes.
Olympians and other elite athletes often face a range of mental health challenges that the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of professional sports can exacerbate. Some of the most common mental health conditions experienced by Olympians include the following:
- Anxiety Disorders: The intense pressure to perform at the highest level, coupled with the scrutiny of the global spotlight, can trigger debilitating anxiety. Olympians may experience generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety, which can significantly impact their ability to compete at their best.
- Eating Disorders: Sports that emphasize particular body types or weight classes, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and certain track and field events, can increase the risk of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The pressure to maintain a specific physique can lead to unhealthy behaviors and poor body image.
- Depression: The rigors of training, the disappointment of setbacks or failures, and the isolating nature of elite sports can all contribute to feelings of depression among Olympians. The constant drive for perfection and the perceived need to always be “on” can also affect an athlete’s mental well-being.
- Burnout: The relentless cycle of training, competing, and recovering can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, known as burnout. Olympians may experience a loss of motivation, decreased performance, and a general apathy towards their sport, which can harm their mental health.
The high-stakes nature of the Olympics, combined with the immense pressure to perform, contributes to the prevalence of these mental health conditions among Olympians. The constant scrutiny, the fear of failure, and the personal sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle of their sport can take a significant toll on an athlete’s mental well-being.
Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the sports community can prevent Olympians from seeking the support they need, as they may fear being perceived as weak or unable to handle the demands of their sport.
Addressing this stigma and creating a more supportive environment for athletes to prioritize their mental health is crucial for Olympians’ long-term well-being and success.
Role of Social Media in Athlete’s Mental Health
The impact of social media on the mental health of Olympians has also come under scrutiny. The constant pressure to perform, coupled with the unrealistic standards perpetuated by social media, can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout among athletes.
Here are some real-life examples of the impact of social media on the mental health of Olympians:
American snowboarder Chloe Kim, who won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, has been open about the negative impact of social media on her mental health. Kim has spoken about her pressure to maintain a perfect public image and the detrimental effects of online criticism and scrutiny.
Figure skater Adam Rippon, who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics, made the conscious decision to limit his social media use during the Games to protect his mental health.
Rippon acknowledged the overwhelming nature of the constant attention and pressure on social media, which can be particularly challenging for Olympians during high-stakes competitions.
Lolo Jones, a three-time Olympian in both track and field and bobsled, has been outspoken about the detrimental effects of social media on her mental health.
Jones has shared how the constant criticism and unsolicited advice she received on social media platforms like X impacted her self-esteem and led to feelings of anxiety and depression. She has emphasized the need for Olympians to have a healthy relationship with social media and not let it define their self-worth.
Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field Olympian, has also spoken about the mental health challenges associated with social media scrutiny. After giving birth to her daughter, Felix faced intense criticism on social media about her decision to leave Nike due to the company’s lack of support for pregnant athletes.
Felix has said that the online backlash and pressure to maintain a perfect image on social media have been overwhelming, leading her to prioritize her mental well-being and set boundaries with her social media use.
These examples illustrate the significant toll that social media can take on the mental well-being of Olympians. The unrealistic standards, intense scrutiny, and constant pressure to perform can contribute to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.
As the sports community continues to address these challenges, providing comprehensive support and creating a more understanding environment for athletes will be crucial.
Comprehensive Mental Health Support for American Athletes
In response to these growing concerns, the International Olympic Committee and various national Olympic committees have taken steps to prioritize the mental health of their athletes. The IOC has established the Mental Health Working Group, which aims to develop guidelines and resources to support the well-being of Olympians.
Similarly, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has created a Mental Health Division dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to American athletes. These include access to licensed mental health professionals, crisis intervention, and education on mental health awareness.
The Paralympic Committee has also been at the forefront of this movement, recognizing the unique challenges faced by athletes with physical and mental disabilities. The committee has implemented mental health support programs and resources to ensure the well-being of their athletes.
While these efforts are commendable, there is still much work to be done to destigmatize mental health issues within the world of sports. Many athletes, particularly those from specific cultural or national backgrounds, may still feel hesitant to come forward and seek help, fearing the potential impact on their careers or public perception.
The Future of Mental Health in the Olympic Community
As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Olympic Games, the conversation surrounding the mental health of athletes must continue to evolve. By providing comprehensive support, destigmatizing mental health issues, and fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, the Olympic community can ensure that the pursuit of athletic excellence is balanced with the well-being of the individuals who make it possible.
The accurate measure of an Olympian’s success should not be the number of gold medals they collect but the strength and resilience they demonstrate in the face of the immense challenges they encounter – both on and off the field.
Seeking professional treatment for your mental well-being is critical to your overall health. To learn more, contact us at (770) 766-0212 or ContactUs@TheSummitWellnessGroup.com.