During a press conference at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone earlier this year, Zaynab Dosso and Elaine Thompson-Herah shared their perspectives on the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes. Dosso, the world indoor 60m champion, emphasized the significance of mental health, stating, "It’s very important to speak about mental health. You can train however many hours you want, but if your head doesn’t follow, then you’re not going to get anywhere." She added that she began working with a psychologist in September because she believes every athlete should prioritize their mental well-being.
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Thompson-Herah, a five-time Olympic champion, offered a contrasting view, expressing that her journey back from injury has been challenging both mentally and physically, but she has never turned to therapy. "I’m a tough cookie. I’m my own therapy," she asserted, highlighting the importance of her faith and supportive team.
The difference in their approaches showcases the varied ways athletes manage mental health issues. Across more than 200 countries, attitudes and access to mental health resources differ significantly. While some athletes benefit from professional psychological support, others might rely on family, friends, or teammates. In certain regions, stigma and limited access to services can hinder available support.
Juliette Whittaker, a U.S. 800m runner, has openly talked about her struggles. In college at Stanford University, despite winning two NCAA titles and qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she described her experience as the "hardest, saddest and loneliest" year of her life. After victories, feelings of emptiness followed, leading to a decline in her mental health. In May 2025, after a severe crisis, Whittaker attempted to take her own life. Following support from friends and treatment, she took a significant break from running, which contributed to her recovery. "Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do," she reflected, acknowledging the importance of recognizing one's own struggles.
Research has highlighted barriers athletes face in seeking mental health support. A 2025 study on Kenyan elite runners underlined the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors regarding mental health service accessibility. A separate study in 2024 revealed that Chinese athletes often preferred confiding in personal connections over formal mental health services due to stigma.
Wilfred Bungei, the 2008 Olympic 800m champion, shared his experiences with alcohol and mental health post-career, illustrating the stigma that exists around these issues in Kenya. He noted the importance of family in recognizing the need for help and emphasized the need for better transition support for athletes retiring from competitive sports. Although he has found new purpose through work with the World Athletics Media Academy, he hopes to raise awareness on mental health issues in African athletics.
Singapore's Shanti Pereira described her struggles with expectations after her breakthrough title in 2015, facing self-doubt and an identity crisis. By speaking with those close to her, she learned to manage her fears and redefined her relationship with competition, resulting in a successful return to form.
The International Olympic Committee’s updated consensus statement on mental health urges a personalized, culturally attentive approach to treatment and acknowledges that mental well-being is influenced by coaches and support staff as well as individual athletes. The diverse experiences of Dosso, Thompson-Herah, Whittaker, Bungei, and Pereira illustrate the necessity for varied conversations about mental health in global sports, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.