Mental Health Takes Gold in Tokyo
A well-decorated Olympian, Simone Biles, decided to shine a light on something more important than a medal: mental health. The gymnast was expected to dominate this year while competing in most events. However, she decided to take a step back on four events due to medical conditions. Eventually, the medical condition was confirmed as a mental illness, causing major headlines worldwide. During a press conference, Biles revealed she developed the “twisties,” a sensation gymnasts develop where they lose control while in the air. Pressure or fear often triggers this sensation. Biles ultimately decided to choose her mental health over medals, making the discussion of mental health more prevalent than ever before. The glitz and glamour of climbing onto the podium, the national anthem playing, and your country’s flag being lifted as a medal shines around your neck can overshadow the true life beyond the beam.
Olympian, Maggie Barrie of Sierra Leone shows pride.
"I hope that more athletes start paying attention to their mental health just as much as they do to their bodies. If they do, they will be amazed at the difference inside and out,” said Sierra Leonean Olympian, Maggie Barrie.
I spoke exclusively with Olympian Margaret Barrie (25) of Sierra Leone to dig deeper into the mental health effects of the Olympics. The Olympian shares,
“This year has made me pay more attention to mental health. And it’s had such a positive impact in my life,” said Barrie.
The track star reveals she often deals with anxiety right before a big race due to the pressure. “Meditating for thirty minutes before a race helps calm me down, reminding me of the things that matter and the things I can control," said Barrie. Barrie reveals mental health is the most crucial aspect of being an elite athlete stating that talking to a sports therapist helps massively. "I hope that more athletes start paying attention to their mental health just as much as they do to their bodies. If they do, they will be amazed at the difference inside and out,” said Barrie. Barrie explains how elite athletes push their bodies to the highest levels but often forget to have the same mental strength. While Barrie competed for a medal during the Olympics, she applauds other Olympians for sitting out and choosing their mental state over the immense pressure.
Elite athletes like tennis star Naomi Osaka (23) completely pulled out of the French Open to take a stand on mental health and left the Olympics after a losing streak. Teary-eyed in a press conference, Osaka took a stand on mental health,
"It’s O.K. to not be O.K,” said Osaka.
In fact, many are not O.K. A 2018 study by SportsMed reveals, that 35% of elite athletes deal with a mental health crisis. The findings suggest that elite athletes experience a broadly comparable risk of high-prevalence mental disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression) relative to the general population. Ultimately revealing, the percentage is increasing yearly. Is it too much pressure on athletes causing their mental health to stagger?
Mental health has skyrocketed over the years as data from SportsMed shows a steady incline. Many elite athletes suffer from pressure, and well-decorated athletes are taking the spotlight away from them and on to mental health instead.
In contrast, competitive sports can trigger mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but many fight against this. Organizations like Athletes For Hope are bringing awareness to mental health. With approximately 46.6 million people living with mental illness in the US, Athletes For Hope says athletes manage mental health by getting therapy, medication, eating a healthy diet, or exercising. Athletes For Hope is a great foundation and platform for athletes to share their stories to help others battling mental health.
While there are positive and negative impacts on elite athletes regarding mental health, one thing remains true. Mental illness is on the rise, and there are ways to combat this trembling reality. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics spoke volumes on another pandemic, and that is the mental health crisis. Now that athletes are aware of taking a stand, sharing their stories, forfeiting events, and sacrificing titles, there is hope that the statistics can decline as mental health awareness is on the rise.
