Mental health has become an important topic in sports, with more athletes opening up about their struggles. A 2023 report by the International Olympic Committee revealed that 33.6 percent of elite athletes suffer from anxiety and depression, and 26.4 percent face mental health issues after retiring. On World Mental Health Day, the experiences of several prominent athletes were highlighted.
Simone Biles, known for her constant smile and remarkable success, including three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics, has faced significant personal challenges. Raised in foster care and later by her grandparents, she was also a victim of sexual abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Games was rooted in her need to prioritize her mental health. She emphasized the importance of protecting both mind and body and not succumbing to external pressures.
Michael Phelps, a swimming legend, is another well-known case of mental health challenges in sports. Despite winning eight medals at the 2004 Athens Games, he battled depression afterward. He faced similar struggles again in 2014, revealing that he had lost the will to live and had stopped eating and drinking. Phelps believes that open discussions about mental health can help normalize it and benefit others.
Ricky Rubio, a basketball star, took a break from the sport in August 2023. Initially feeling like a coward for not being able to overcome his mental health struggles despite his long career, Rubio later recognized his decision as an act of bravery. He emphasized the importance of balance and consistency in life.
Alvaro Morata, a footballer currently playing for Milan, opened up about his battles with depression and panic attacks. He revealed that during his toughest times, he felt he was constantly fighting an internal struggle, which led him to leave Spain. He feared he might never play football again.
Andres Iniesta, a football icon, was deeply affected by the death of Dani Jarque, a close friend and Espanyol’s captain. Iniesta confessed that this tragedy destroyed his mental health, leading him to lose the will to live. He shared that, despite having everything he wanted materially, life’s challenges remained difficult to face. Iniesta has since been active in raising mental health awareness.
Andre Agassi, a tennis legend, spoke openly about his mental health struggles in his autobiography Open. He revealed his struggles with drug use, his hatred for tennis due to the pressure he faced, and how his wife, Steffi Graff, played a crucial role in his recovery. Agassi has since worked with several organizations to promote mental health awareness.
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