Olympic Athletes Are Changing Their Approach to Mental Health in Paris

How Olympians Are Prioritizing Their Well-Being at the Paris Games

Olympians face intense pressure to perform, satisfy sponsors, and stay in the spotlight. Recently, many athletes have spoken out about the impact this stress has on their mental health. In an exclusive interview, several Olympians shared their experiences and how they are taking mental health seriously for the Paris Games.

The Pressure of Being an Olympian

Professional athletes endure immense pressure to deliver results and constantly stay in the public eye. This pressure can take a significant toll on their mental health. Carissa Moore, a five-time world champion surfer, shared her struggles with maintaining a healthy balance between her sport and mental well-being.

“It’s been a challenge to figure out what that healthy boundary is for my mental health with sport,” Moore told HuffPost. “You need to figure out where it’s worth it to keep pushing yourself.”

After winning her third world title, Moore hit a breaking point in her career. She experienced a lack of passion, purpose, and motivation, which led to anxiety and depression affecting her relationships. Moore realized she needed to make a change to prioritize her mental health.

Facing Physical and Mental Challenges

Jagger Eaton, a skateboarding prodigy who won the first-ever Olympic skateboarding medal for the U.S., also faced significant challenges. He competed in the Tokyo Olympics with a fractured and torn ankle, pushing through the pain to achieve his goal.

“My ankle was fractured and torn almost completely three weeks before the Games,” Eaton said. “I didn’t really care about the pain because I had the chance to be the first American medalist.”

Both Moore and Eaton experienced burnout from the relentless demands of their sports. Sports and performance psychologist Dr. Leah Lagos explained how even seasoned Olympians can feel intense pressure leading up to the Games.

“Olympians leading up to the Olympics will experience anxiety, even little spikes of panic that they hadn’t experienced before,” Lagos said. Athletes often feel they can’t control all the variables in a new setting with higher stakes, leading to increased stress.

Mental Health Support at the Paris Games

In response to these pressures, the Paris Olympics organizers have announced a dedicated space for mental health support. This move is crucial in normalizing and addressing mental health issues among athletes.

“It’s really important for all of us to feel like it’s normal, and it’s healthy, and it’s OK,” Moore said. “Especially for athletes, we’re realizing that mental health is such a big part of the game and what we do.”

New Approaches to Mental Health

As Moore and Eaton prepare for the Paris Games, they are taking different approaches to manage their mental health. Moore credits her father and coach, Chris Moore, for helping her stay grounded by focusing on being of service to others.

“I think that has really become one of my greatest mental tools, even today,” Moore said.

Eaton feels more prepared for this Olympic run compared to the last Games. He now feels mentally sound and confident, carrying his experience from Tokyo into Paris.

“The last Games felt really flustered, I felt really out of control,” Eaton said. “Going into this game, I feel a lot more mentally sound, I feel a lot more prepared for the moment.”

Olympians like Carissa Moore and Jagger Eaton are leading the way in prioritizing mental health at the Paris Games. By recognizing the importance of mental well-being and seeking support, they are setting an example for athletes everywhere.

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