Mental health as a topic of discussion has taken an evolved route but yet remains snubbed in sports or otherwise. People on pedestals have in recent times taken center stage as personalities visible to thousands to share insights and break through the norms. This time around, it was LSU athletics that took on the initiative having one of its gymnastics stars, Ashleigh Gnat representing the many behind.

LSU Athletics and Our Lady of the Lake thus stepped ahead to present a program on normalizing the conversations around mental health. Ashleigh Gnat, a former NCAA gymnastics champion and now an assistant coach, shared her gratitude for the initiative as she joined notable names on the panel.

The gymnastics champion expresses gratitude

LSU athletics, on Monday, hosted “Planting Seeds of Hope,” to emphasize the power of hope. Kevin Faulk, Delvin Breaux Sr., and Brandon Saho joined Ashleigh Gnat on the panel for a discussion before a crowd numbering in the hundreds. The gymnastics star, grateful for the opportunity, and the step ahead took to her X handle to pen a note. “Grateful to have been a part of this event! It was amazing to see our community come together to talk about the importance of mental health,” she wrote.

Ashleigh Gnat has been a popular figure around NCAA gymnastics. Through her presence from 2014 to 2017, Gnat came to be known as a 17-time All-American, and one of LSU’s most decorated gymnasts. Years later, the star arrived back at her alma mater to give back to the community. “This program has given so much to me, and I hope to be able to help incoming athletes in the same way,” she said in 2017. So when LSU hosted the program, Gnat couldn’t have better aligned with the views of the program and authorities.

A step ahead for the community

Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the 29th witnessed hundreds pouring in to be a part of the mental health discussion. “If this were to happen five or six years ago, you probably wouldn’t have had a packed room like this,” former LSU football player Kevin Faulk says. Backed by the LSU athletics committee’s sentiment to place mental health as a ‘critical component,’ the athletes on the panel spoke of their stories to reach out to the crowd.

Also Read: “Gone Into Deep Dep*ession”: Gymnastics Sensation Mykayla Skinner Breaks Silence on Mental-Health Struggles for New Mothers in Post-Partum

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“I had my first sui**dal thought as a freshman in high school. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I felt alone,” were Brandon Saho’s words. “When things around me feel really chaotic, and so I definitely make therapy a part of that,” the gymnastics star added. Though a long path awaits ahead, a step is nonetheless a step forward.

Watch this story: LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Pulls Off a Stunning Vault Routine to Pay Tribute to the Sport of Gymnastics