Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast who has secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, emphasizes that her exceptional physical skills are supported by a strong focus on mental health. Biles, who clinched her place with a victory at the US trials, stressed the importance of her weekly therapy sessions.
“Seeing my therapist every Thursday is like a ritual for me,” Biles said. “That’s why I’m here today.”
Mental health has increasingly become a priority for elite athletes, who previously faced intense pressures, anxiety, and fear of failure in silence due to concerns about appearing weak.
Biles, a four-time gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics, withdrew from most events at the Tokyo Games due to mental health issues and a condition known as the “twisties,” which affects spatial orientation. While some people were supportive, others criticized her, accusing her of letting down the US team.
Cecile Landi, Biles’s French coach, noted that Biles’s decision helped reduce the stigma around mental health in sports. “It used to be almost shameful to talk to a therapist,” Landi said. “Now, it’s about proactively becoming the best athlete and person you can be.”
Mental health is now recognized as a crucial element of athletic success. In response, sports federations and organizations have started offering resources and including mental health professionals in their teams. For the Paris Games, around 90 national teams will have credentialed mental health officers, and organizers have introduced various amenities to support mental well-being.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has openly discussed his struggles with depression following his successful Olympic career. He revealed in 2018 that he experienced severe depression after each Olympics.
Athletes can face mental challenges even when they seem to be at their peak. For instance, US swimmer Caeleb Dressel, who won five gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, withdrew from the 2022 swimming World Championships for unspecified medical reasons. He later spoke about the mental toll of his pursuit of perfection.
After taking nearly a year off, Dressel is now preparing to compete in Paris, aiming to defend two of his gold medals from Tokyo. Meanwhile, Regan Smith, another US swimmer, credits her work with sports psychologist Emily Klueh with revitalizing her career and preparing her for the upcoming Olympics.
