The 2024 Paris Olympics stood out not just for the athletic feats, but for its groundbreaking focus on mental health, earning it the title of the “Mental Health Olympics.” Many athletes, including Simone Biles, Novak Djokovic, and others, openly discussed their psychological strategies and the importance of mental well-being, shifting the narrative from just physical strength to a more holistic approach. The conversations inspired people to think about the importance of mental health all over the world. People did not shy away from discussing seeking help, working on their mental health and taking a break when needed. It was an exceptionally inspiring event that will encourage athletes and viewers from all over the world to give a second thought to their mental health.
Simone Biles, for instance, became a central figure in this conversation, not only because of her incredible comeback but also because of her advocacy for mental health, a stance that has encouraged other athletes to prioritize their well-being. She was open and comfortable talking about a topic of value. She even spoke about taking therapy the morning of her competition, which is completely normal and needs to be addressed. In Paris, Simon credited her renewed focus on mental well-being for her impressive comeback, which included winning multiple medals. She discussed how practices like mindfulness, therapy, and taking time to rest mentally and physically were crucial to her preparation for the Games.
Take a look over here to know more- https://nicenews.com/sports/paris-games-2024-mental-health-olympics/
Novak Djokovic credited mindfulness, intentional breathwork, and self-reflection as key components that helped him maintain his mental health during the high-pressure environment of the Games. He has been a pioneer in this field and encourages open discussion about the value of mental health. Often seen talking about deep focused breathing, and using visualisation techniques while training. These practices, he explained, help him maintain focus and composure under pressure, allowing him to perform consistently at the highest level.
This video is an example of his vulnerability to talk about different psychological skills- https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-DgO4BsZfT/?igsh=c3YyZWltMnM3dmM1
The IOC also introduced several innovative initiatives to support athletes’ mental health. One of the most talked-about was the “Mind Zone” in the Olympic Village. This space was designed as a sanctuary for athletes to relax and recharge, offering activities like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and even creative outlets like painting. Athletes like Ana Vázquez from Mexico praised the Mind Zone, noting its importance in helping her manage pre-competition stress. Moreover, the use of AI to monitor and filter harmful content on social media provided athletes with a safer online environment, reducing the risk of cyberbullying. This proactive approach allowed athletes to focus on their performances without the added burden of online negativity. They also handed out a statement calling out negative practices that could impact an athlete and showed complete support for their needs and efforts. Athletes from various sports, including rugby player Ariana Ramsey and pole vaulter Chris Nilsen, spoke about how working with sports psychologists and using mindfulness techniques had a profound impact on their performances. These stories collectively painted a picture of a game where mental health was not just an afterthought but a central focus, making a way for future events to continue this important trend. Mega events like these are platforms for athletes to encourage discussions on crucial topics while the entire world is looking at them.
The role of a psychologist does not just end at training and performing at the Olympics. The ‘ Post-Olympics blues’ are a condition most athletes tend to deal with. Being guided and supported in this transition helps ease their journey. “Post-Olympic blues” describes the emotional and psychological difficulties that many athletes experience following the end of the Olympic Games. Following years of rigorous training, rigid schedules, and the high of competing globally, athletes frequently feel a sudden loss of motivation and purpose after the Games. As they search for a new sense of purpose and direction, this can cause feelings of emptiness, sadness, and anxiety. To deal with these feelings, athletes must plan for life after the Games, including setting new goals, seeking support from mental health professionals, beginning training, and staying connected with their athletic communities
Here are a few papers to look at that discuss this phenomenon:
• Howells, K., & Lucassen, M. (2018). ‘Post-olympic blues’ –The diminution of celebrity in Olympic athletes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 37, 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.04.008
• DeWolfe, C. E., & Dithurbide, L. (2022). Beware of the blues: Wellbeing of coaches and support staff throughout the Olympic games. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 17(6), 1243-1257. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221116880
As a psychology student, looking at athletes advocate mental health support and normalising seeking psychological help is a big step in the right direction. As much importance as physical training plays, having support, to navigate your emotions and career can be a huge aid on your side. Take a look at what the Team USA sports psychologist had to say- https://www.forbes.com/sites/manasipathak-1/2024/07/10/paris-2024-interview-with-usatfs-sports-psychologist-chris-stanley/
The Paris Olympics have set a new standard, showing that true Olympic greatness comes not just from physical efforts, but from a balanced and healthy mind. By continuing to prioritize mental health and providing robust support systems, we can ensure that athletes are not only physically prepared but also mentally resilient, both during and after the competition. By continuing to prioritize mental health and providing strong support systems, we can ensure that athletes are not only physically prepared but also mentally resilient, both during and after the competition.
Jinal S Mehta
Intern, Mindsports