PARIS — The commitment to athlete mental health extends beyond the closing ceremonies of the Paris Games, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Team USA employing advanced technology to support Olympians even after the competition concludes.
The intense pressure of the Olympic environment, marked by national expectations and the high stakes of a potential once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, significantly impacts athletes’ mental health. In response, both the IOC and Team USA have introduced innovative measures to safeguard and support athletes’ psychological well-being, addressing challenges such as social media abuse and post-competition adjustment.
The IOC’s Safe Sport Unit, established in 2022, has been at the forefront of these initiatives. The organization has committed $10 million per Olympiad to mental health programs, including a multilingual helpline, accredited welfare officers, and safeguarding focal points for international federations. Among its most groundbreaking efforts is the Cyber Abuse Prevention Service, which utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor and combat abusive messages directed at athletes on social media platforms, though private messages are excluded from this service.
Kirsty Burrows, head of the IOC’s Safe Sport Unit, emphasized the importance of these measures: “Seventy percent of athletes only experience one Olympics. For us, it’s about protecting everyone and providing not just protection but comprehensive welfare support.” The AI-driven service is fully integrated with social media platforms to promptly address and remove harmful content, and potentially gather evidence for legal action if necessary.
The IOC’s mental health initiatives also include the introduction of “Athlete 365 Mind Zones” in the Olympic Village. These spaces, located adjacent to the village gym, offer virtual reality headsets for meditation and other mental health services. Burrows highlighted the significance of these zones, noting, “They reflect our holistic approach to mental health, integrating mindfulness and resilience into overall well-being.”
Outside of the IOC’s framework, Team USA has bolstered its mental health support through its High-Performance Center. Jessica Bartley, the USOPC senior director of psychological services, has developed extensive therapy programs for athletes, including a popular sleep program. Team USA offers both individual and group therapy, addressing the so-called “post-Olympic blues” for athletes not planning to compete in future Games. Athletes preparing for subsequent Olympics can access mental health resources throughout the four-year interim, while those retiring from competition can benefit from support for up to two years post-Games.
Bartley noted the positive impact of these programs: “Mental health is crucial in sports. Having team psychologists at practices and ongoing support helps athletes maintain peak performance.” Team USA artistic swimmer Jaime Czarkowski echoed this sentiment, praising the therapy programs and their role in reducing stigma and encouraging openness among athletes.
The success of these initiatives relies on athletes’ engagement, and the positive feedback has been encouraging. The visible advocacy of high-profile athletes like Simone Biles, who has become a leading voice for mental health awareness following her withdrawal from events in Tokyo, has furthered the cause. Biles’ example has inspired more athletes to embrace mental health resources.
Bartley concluded, “Building trust with athletes is key. Once they recognize these resources as reliable, the positive impact on their mental health and performance becomes evident.” With a broad array of support systems in place, athletes are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of both competition and post-Olympic life.
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