Improving Mental Health Support for Athletes at Paris 2024 Olympics
Paris 2024 Olympics to Prioritize Athlete Mental Health and Well-being
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the focus on athlete mental health and well-being has never been more prominent. Three years after Simone Biles brought attention to the struggles athletes face with mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, Paris 2024 is set to showcase the progress made in providing better care and support for competitors.
In response to Biles’ experience with the “twisties” and subsequent withdrawal from events in Tokyo, Paris 2024 organizers, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and international sports federations have implemented new initiatives to prioritize mental health. One of the key features of this year’s Games will be the “365 Athlete365 Mind Zone,” a mindfulness and relaxation area above the main gym in the Olympic village. Athletes will have access to virtual reality headsets for meditation, sleep pods, and art activities in a soothing and quiet environment.
Additionally, athletes will have access to an alcohol-free bar and social areas to unwind, as well as guidance on maintaining good mental hygiene by limiting screen time. A mental health helpline in 70 languages will be available to all Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and around 90 national teams will bring their own mental health welfare officers to the Games.
Research shows that elite athletes face mental health disorders at similar rates to the general population, but they are more vulnerable to conditions like anxiety and depression due to the intense pressure they experience. Athletes like Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Ian Thorpe have helped break the taboo around mental health in sports by sharing their struggles.
Paris 2024 will also address cyber-harassment and bullying with AI-powered tools to monitor social media for abusive posts directed at athletes. The IOC has partnered with a data company to identify and report harmful messages in multiple languages, ensuring a safer online environment for competitors.
With a focus on athlete well-being and mental health, Paris 2024 aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for all participants, emphasizing the importance of holistic care for athletes beyond just their physical performance.
