Athletes Breaking the Stigma

As the Olympics begin this week, the world will witness humanity’s greatest potential. From triple twisting double tucks to the 100–meter sprint, the world’s best athletes will showcase the skills and abilities they have spent their lives training for. Off the podium, however, some Olympians continue to break barriers, particularly those related to mental health. Here are a few worth mentioning:

SIMONE BILES

Simone Biles is arguably the most dominant athlete in the world. She continues to shatter records and create new moves that experts previously thought would have been impossible. Outside of the gym, however, Simone has faced many challenges that impact her mental health. She has been incredibly open about her ADHD diagnosis, her past experiences in the foster system, and how racism in the sport has impacted her depression. More than anything, Simone has been a shining light for those who have faced trauma by sharing her own experiences and reminding others that they are not alone in their journey to seek inner peace.

MICHAEL PHELPS

After spending the greater part of two decades on top of the swimming world, Michael realized he could no longer ignore his symptoms of depression. The most decorated Olympian in history silently struggled with anxiety and substance abuse over the years but has recently brought them to light. Michael strives to show people that athletes, above all else, are human and that their struggles are human too. Since coming out about his mental health experiences, Michael has championed awareness of depression, particularly in the swimming world.

NOAMI OSAKA

As the highest paid female athlete in the world, Noami is constantly in the spotlight. Having struggled with social anxiety and long bouts of depression for the last several years, Naomi chose to prioritize her own mental health by withdrawing from the French Open. The decision surprised many, but Naomi has continued to be transparent about her struggles, sharing that she hopes to inspire the next generation to prioritize their own health as well.

By speaking openly about their own struggles, these athletes are normalizing experiences many are reluctant to share. Each of us will struggle at one point or another in our lives, but it is important to remind ourselves that struggling in and of itself is not something to be ashamed of.