Experts from West Virginia University say mental health should be a bigger priority for today’s Olympians.
(WVU Photo)
The physical aspects of Olympic sports have always been evident. West Virginia University Balancing mental health has also become a top priority for athletes preparing for world competition, according to researchers.
Dana Voelker, an associate professor of sport, exercise and performance psychology in the School of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University, said the Summer and Winter Olympics can be a stressful time for athletes, which is why many are prioritizing their mental health.
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“Mental health is becoming increasingly important to an athlete’s preparation for the Olympics and their wellbeing afterwards. There has been an important push for athletes to publicly share their experiences and how they have dealt with mental health issues through recovery and support. Simone Biles previously chose not to take part in the Olympics because she knew the dangerous consequences would come from not giving herself any leeway and acknowledging that she needed time to mentally reset and recover. Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps are examples of high-profile athletes who have publicly advocated for mental health both in and outside of sport.
“There is more support for athletes than ever before at this year’s Olympics, including trained sports psychologists and other traveling support staff. The question is, will there be enough support to meet all their needs? The stigma around mental health has reduced in many sports but it has not disappeared and many athletes are still hesitant to seek this support.
“The Olympic Games are full of opportunity and excitement, but also pressure and stress. Competing on the world’s biggest stage, with long travels and in new locations can be particularly nerve-wracking. As with physical training, proper mental training and psychological commitment are essential to performing at your best.”
“Still, no strategy is perfect. The Olympic environment can affect athletes in ways they didn’t anticipate or thought they had full control over, and in ways we don’t fully understand why. At heart, athletes are human, like all of us.” — Dana Voelker, Associate Professor of Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, West Virginia University
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-West Virginia University-
sm/7/30/24
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