The Mental Health of Olympic Athletes: The True Weight of Gold
by Anne Ueberbach
Assistant Director / Counsellor
The Mental Health of Olympic Athletes: The True Weight of Gold
The world has been watching in awe over the past few weeks as our Olympic athletes were pushing themselves to the limit, striving for excellence and glory, all in the pursuit of gold. But beneath the surface of their triumphant smiles and record-breaking performance lies a complex web of mental health challenges. The pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the scrutiny of the public eye can take a devastating toll on the minds of our elite athletes. Olympic athletes have reported to experience anxiety, self-doubt, depression, burnout, body image issues, loneliness or isolation, trauma and PTSD, amongst other mental health concerns.
Elite Athlete Mental Health Statistics
An Australian study reported that 27.2% of elite athletes experience depression, 22.8% eating disorders, 16.5% general psychological distress, 14.7% social anxiety, 7.1% anxiety disorder, and 4.5% panic disorder. Athletes who were injured experienced higher levels of symptoms of depression as well as anxiety.
Globally,
1 in 5 athletes experience depression
1 in 4 athletes experience anxiety
70% of athletes experience stress and pressure to perform
The Pressure to Perform and Unhealthy Expectations
Olympic athletes are often seen as superhumans, resilient to the stresses and doubts that affect every. But the reality is far from it. The pressure to perform is immense, with elite athletes facing intense expectations from coaches, sponsors, fans, and themselves. The margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin, and the fear of failure can be overwhelming.
The weight of expectation can be crushing. Olympic athletes are often expected to perform at their best, despite injuries, illnesses, or personal struggles including mental health concerns. The pressure to deliver can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety.
Example - Pressure to perform:
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles chose to step down from competing due to experiencing “twisties”. This phenomenon can affect gymnasts, causing their brain to suddenly lose track of where they are in the air. Rathan than risking her physical health, Simone Biles chose not to compete in the finals, which lead to immediate backlash from fans and sponsors.
Example - Unnecessary emotional suffering:
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, U.S. gymnast Joran Chiles was initially awarded a bronze medal in the women's individual floor exercise. However, she was later stripped of her medal after a court ruled that her coach's appeal was filed too late. The medal was instead awarded to Romania's Ana Bǎrbosu. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has signalled its intent to file an appeal, believing that Chiles rightfully earned the bronze medal. Meaning Romania's Ana Bǎrbosu will be at risk of having the medal revoked.
The Impact of Scrutiny
The constant scrutiny of the media and the public eye can be suffocating. Athletes are subjected to intense media attention, with every move, every gesture, and every word analyzed and criticized. The pressure to maintain a perfect image can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and inadequacy.
Example - Online backlash and bullying:
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, B-Girl “Raygun” (Rachael Gunn) faced intense backlash after her performance, with many online critics mocking and disrespecting her, and even creating memes of her. Despite her creativity and enthusiasm, she lost all three of her contests scoring 0 points.
Post Olympic Blues
Once the Olympic flame has been extinguished and the games are officially over, the real challenges for many Olympic athletes begins- The Post-Olympic Blues. The Post-Olympic blues are a phenomenon that refers to the emotional crash that occurs after the games. Despite it’s intense impact, it is often overlooked and disregarded. The Post-Olympic Blues are caused by the void the Olympics leave in athletes, who in preparation for years prior the Olympics went through intense focus, rigorous training and unwavering dedication to their sport. It can cause feelings of depression, loss of identify and purpose, anxiety, and disorientation, as athletes struggle to find their place in the world beyond the Olympic bubble.
But it doesn’t stop there. Mental health problems are even more prevalent among athletes who are planning to retire from the sport, usually as a response to a perceived loss of goals and identity.
Olympic Athletes Breaking the Silence
In recent years, Olympic athletes have begun to speak out about their mental health struggles. Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Naomi Osaka are just a few examples of athletes who have shared their stories, shifting the focus on mental health, shattering the stigma surrounding it.
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of her team’s finals due to mental health difficulties. She famously said: “I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health.”
Olympic gold medallist and swimmer Michael Phelps has openly talked about his struggles with anxiety, depression and ADHD.
In 2021, tennis player Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open to protect her mental health. Just a day prior her decision, she was fined $15,000 for not meeting her media obligations, having her mental health struggles with depression and social anxiety disregarded.
Counselling for Performance Stress
The mental health challenges faced by Olympic athletes, as highlighted in this blog post, are a stark reminder that performance stress can have a devastating impact on individuals in various fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, student, or professional, the pressure to perform can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, depression, and burnout.
If you're struggling with performance stress, whether in sports, academics, career, or creative pursuits, consider seeking help from a mental health professional (counsellor, psychologist, or psychotherapist).
Counselling can provide:
Coping strategies for managing pressure and anxiety
Techniques for building confidence and self-esteem
Support for developing a growth mindset and resilience
A safe space to discuss fears, doubts, and emotions
Book an appointment with our team at The Counselling Place today, to take the first step towards enhancing your mental well-being and unlocking your full potential.