PARIS, IDF — The Olympic Games, with the world’s eyes fixed on the competition, place immense pressure on athletes to perform at their peak. This pressure can exhaust not just the body but also the mind.
Simone Biles’ early exit from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns highlighted the intense mental strain athletes face. Her decision was widely regarded as a strong and brave move.
“For her, at the highest stage, to choose herself and risk disappointing a country and being OK with it, I think, is such a strong thing to do,” said Ashley Hoffman of Team USA Field Hockey.
Biles’ withdrawal has sparked crucial conversations about the importance of mental health in sports, underscoring the message that it’s OK not to be OK.
“Having stars come out and talk about the mental health challenges they’ve faced throughout their careers helps other athletes of all levels, and frankly, all different sports understand that this isn’t something unique to them. It happens across the board, and it’s OK to seek help,” said Dr. Jonathan Finoff, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Coco Gauff of Team USA Tennis also expressed her support for Biles’ decision.
“A lot of times, as athletes, we put our sport above our well-being, so for her to recognize that she wasn’t fit for this moment and to take the time she needed to come back even stronger is incredibly resilient,” Gauff said.
According to athletes, simple check-ins and video calls have become routine practices.
Dr. Finoff mentioned that there are 18 clinical psychologists and mental performance professionals on-site to support the athletes.
“The goal is to remove the mental health stigma in the world of sport,” Dr. Finoff said.
As the world continues to watch the Olympic Games, the focus on mental health serves as a reminder that athletes, despite their physical prowess, are human and need support in all aspects of their well-being.
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