VOL.3: How Mental Health is Reshaping the Olympic Movement

With the Olympics well underway, the spotlight is fixed firmly on the athletes – their routines, their records and their medal counts. But behind the performances that captivate global audiences lies a much quieter yet increasingly urgent conversation: athlete mental health. 

The Toll of Elite Competition 

Research shows that 35% of Olympic athletes experience anxiety and depression, while 25% report symptoms of burnout. Overall, one in three athletes struggles with depression, anxiety, or burnout at some point in their careers. Despite these numbers, only 10% of athletes dealing with mental health issues seek professional help, highlighting a significant gap between need and access. 

The pressures unique to elite sport are immense. Athletes face relentless training schedules, public scrutiny, online criticism, performance expectations, financial instability and the constant fear of injury. Many also live with more severe conditions such as eating disorders, PTSD, substance use disorder, chronic anxiety, and low self-esteem. For those competitors whose identities are closely connected to performance, setbacks can feel like a personal attack. 

A new Era for Olympic Athletes

In response, organizers for the 2026 games in Milano are prioritizing mental well-being by creating dedicated “safe spaces” within the Olympic Village – areas designed for decompression, privacy, and access to psychological support. The initiative signals a broader institutional recognition that mental health is not separate from the competition but rather foundational to it. 

Athletes themselves are redefining what peak performance looks like as mental health is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage American figure skater Amber Glenn has incorporated neurofeedback into her training routine to strengthen both focus and emotional regulation. American snowboarder Chloe Kim steps away from competition to attend therapy and prioritize her well-being. American figure skater Ilia Malinin spoke about the “invisible” mental pressures amplified by social media and constant surveillance. After her recent victory, Alysa Liu emphasized that personal well-being was more important than any medal. 

This shift builds on the groundwork laid by trailblazers that challenged the stigma. Gymnast Simone Biles, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, and swimmer Michael Phelps all publicly shared their mental health struggles. Their openness helped reshape public discourse, reframing mental wellness as a competitive advantage rather than a vulnerability. 

Redefining What Victory Looks Like 

The culture of sport has always rewarded pushing through pain, ignoring doubt and sacrificing balance for results. But that narrative is evolving. Mental skills training, therapy, mindfulness and recovery practices are increasingly integrated right alongside strength conditioning and technical drills. Coaches and sports organizations are recognizing that emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness directly impact performance under pressure. 

As the world watches the games, the most important victories may not be measured in medals. They may also be found in athletes who choose to speak honestly, seek support, and redefine success on their own terms. 

In today’s Olympic movement, mental health is no longer a side conversation, it’s central to sustaining excellence and preserving the athletes behind the headlines.