Mental health a priority of athletes at the Olympic Games
US officials are making concerted efforts to ensure the mental well-being of athletes at the Olympic Games.
US officials are making concerted efforts to ensure the mental well-being of athletes at the Olympic Games.
US officials are making concerted efforts to ensure the mental well-being of athletes at the Olympic Games.
The world's eyes are fixed on the Olympic Games, placing immense pressure on athletes to perform at their peak. Competition can exhaust not just the body but also the mind.
Simone Biles signaled a need for an early exit in Tokyo due to mental health concerns. Many viewed her decision as a strong and brave move.
"For her, at the highest stage, to choose herself and risk disappointing a country and being OK with, I think, is such a strong thing to do," said Ashley Hoffman of Team USA Field Hockey.
Biles' exit has sparked conversations about the importance of mental health in sports, emphasizing that it's OK not to be OK.
"Having stars that come out and talk about mental health challenges that they've faced throughout their careers helps other athletes of all levels, and frankly, all different sports understand that this isn't something that's 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.
"I think a lot of times, as athletes, we put our sport above our well-being, so for her to be like, I know I'm not fit for this at this moment, but I'm going to take the time I need and come back even stronger, and I think that's so resilient," Gauff said.
According to athletes, simple check-ins and video calls have become the norm.
Dr. Finoff mentioned that there are 18 clinical psychologists and mental performance professionals on the ground 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 is a reminder that athletes, despite their physical prowess, are human and need support in all aspects of their well-being.