The Olympic Games have always showcased physical excellence, but now there’s a growing focus on mental well-being. Sport psychologists are playing a crucial role in helping Olympians manage the pressures and challenges of competing at the highest level.
Key Takeaways
- Sport psychologists use cognitive behavioral techniques to help athletes manage stress and improve performance.
- The USOPC has expanded its team of psychologists to meet the growing demand for mental health services.
- Techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and cognitive restructuring are commonly used.
- Mental health support is available for both Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
- The focus on mental health has increased since the Tokyo Games in 2020.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
For years, sport psychologists have been integral in helping athletes enhance their performance. They train athletes to manage pre-competition jitters and support them in reflecting on their performances. One common exercise involves working through "what if" scenarios to prepare athletes for various situations they might encounter.
Karen Cogan, PhD, lead sport psychologist for the USOPC, emphasizes the importance of mental skills training. Techniques such as breathing exercises and mindfulness help athletes navigate distractions before, during, and after events. For example, Casey Kaufhold, a top-ranked archer, has used these techniques to manage the stress of competing.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
The USOPC has a dedicated team of licensed mental health providers focused exclusively on mental health. This team offers ongoing treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as intensive support for unforeseen circumstances, such as family emergencies.
Jessica Bartley, PsyD, who leads the USOPC’s team of sports and performance psychologists, notes that common concerns include eating disorders, substance use, trauma, and navigating retirement from sport. Acceptance and commitment therapy is often used to help athletes transition to post-competition life.
Supporting Olympians in Paris
Sport psychologists help athletes adjust their routines and strategies to face the unique circumstances of the Olympic Games. This often involves working on the fly, conducting one-on-one sessions, group meetings, and mindfulness sessions throughout the day.
Mackenzie Brown, an Olympic archer, highlights the importance of treating the Olympics like any other competition to manage the overwhelming emotions and reactions. Sport psychologists play a key role in helping athletes bring their emotions under control to perform at their best.
A Growing Focus on Mental Health
The push for expanding mental health care began in 2020 when the USOPC assembled a mental health task force. This team developed best practices, resources, and action plans for Team USA. The task force recommended assembling a mental health services team, which has since created a directory of vetted mental health providers and developed an emergency action plan for handling mental health crises during competitions.
Nicole Ross, a two-time Olympic fencer and member of the task force, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every athlete has access to free mental health care. The distinction between sport psychology and other mental health resources is being clarified to provide comprehensive support for all athletes.
Conclusion
As the focus on mental health continues to grow, sport psychologists are becoming an indispensable part of the Olympic experience. Their work not only helps athletes perform at their best but also ensures they have the support they need to navigate the unique challenges of competing on the world stage.
Sources
- How sport psychologists are helping Olympians in Paris, American Psychological Association (APA).