Sarah Adam, a member of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Team and a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Games, has faced significant challenges balancing her competitive career with mental health pressures. Known for her determination, Adam was the first woman named to the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team and recently helped secure victory for her team at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship. However, the relentless push to excel eventually led her to a breaking point.
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As a 35-year-old occupational therapy professor, Adam found that her responsibilities on and off the court began to take a toll on her mental health. She stated, "There was a time when I kind of lost my joy in playing wheelchair rugby and was so bogged down on the stress of performance." The support from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee's (USOPC) Mental Health Assistance Fund provided her with vital access to psychological services, aiding her in managing her mental health better.
Adam emphasized the importance of mental wellness among athletes, recognizing it as foundational to high performance. After connecting with a sport psychologist, she began to process her feelings of pressure and expectations, which in turn helped her rediscover joy in her sport.
"Managing my mental health helped give the space for me to find the joy in playing this sport again," Adam noted. She believes that mental health should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of excellence, arguing that the support available has made her a better teammate and leader.
Adam's experience highlights the collective support network behind elite athletes, which includes coaches, teammates, and mental health professionals. She advocated for athletes to seek help when needed, noting that being part of a community facilitates personal and professional growth.
Looking ahead, Adam aims to mentor younger athletes in wheelchair rugby, as she was guided by her own mentors throughout her journey. She is particularly influenced by Dr. Kerri Morgan, a pioneer in the sport, and former player Joe Delagrave, who has played a crucial role in her development.
As Adam prepares for the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, she expresses excitement about competing at home and the electric atmosphere that will come with it. "To win a gold medal on home soil finally for this program will be the best feeling in the world if we can make it happen," Adam said.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, Team USA will convene athletes and experts for discussions on mental health. This initiative, supported by a significant gift to mental health initiatives from Gary and Yucca Reischel, underscores the vital connection between mental well-being and athletic performance. The event will be available to viewers on Team USA TV and YouTube.