Whether it's the pressure to perform for the country or face scrutiny, the Olympians face many mental challenges during their careers. Therefore, breaking mental Stigma, the sporting stars offered their thoughts on World Mental Health Day.
On Strategies to Strengthen minds
10 October marks World Mental Health Day, and some of the biggest sports stars spoke about the importance of caring for mind and body and that you don't need to be a high-performance athlete to prioritize your well-being.
Simone Biles: The most decorated gymnast of all time
Simone faced what climbing champion Janja Garnbret refers to as a 'silent killer' - stress, forcing her to pull out halfway through the competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. It was a game-changer in discussions about mental health. Inspired by her openness, many more followed with their struggles. Now, "I'm making a bigger effort into taking care of my mind and my body", which includes 'going to therapy' and 'taking a day off', says Biles.
Rayssa Leal: A skateboarding phenom
Unaware of the 'weight of the Olympics' when her skateboarding tricks earned her an Olympic silver, Leal said: "I started going to therapy. I started talking to my psychologist," and 'it was truly the best thing I did.'
Noah Lyles: The world’s fastest man
Realizing the benefits of conversations surrounding mental health, Noah Lyles told Olympics.com, "I've been in therapy since I was probably nine years old," "Mental health isn't its own entity. It's everyday life."