Mental health has historically been stigmatized, averting people from seeking help to improve their well-being. However, the rise of Olympians speaking up about their struggles brings awareness, dismantling negative stereotypes and encouraging people to prioritize mind wellness.
Mental health describes emotional, psychological and social well-being that impacts how a person thinks, feels and acts. While it may be overlooked, it is just as important as physical health and crucial to people’s quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people globally live with a mental health condition. This prevalence highlights the need for its destigmatization as the public must understand that living with these struggles is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed of.
Mental health conditions have commonly been associated with weakness, but Olympians Ilia Malinin and Simone Biles are switching the narrative to signal strength.
Malinin is an American figure skater in the 2026 Winter Olympics who was expected to win gold in the men’s figure skating individual event. He showed outstanding promise and dominated the event internationally over the past few years.
However, a devastating free skate performance, including two falls, dropped him off the podium, leaving commentators, fans and himself in shock. Malinin has disclosed the cause of his poor execution to be purely mental, and he had not anticipated how the immense pressure would impact him.
Not only does his vocality aid in destigmatizing mental health, but his agent Ari Zakarian revealed Malinin is receiving professional help. Asking for help can be a daunting but effective task, making Malinin’s disclosure impactful in advancing the acceptance of mental health.
This is not the first time an Olympian has spoken up about emotional well-being. Simone Biles was an expert gymnast in the 2020 Summer Olympics who withdrew from her team competition due to mental health obstacles. Like Malinin, Biles was a remarkable athlete who was highly expected to win gold in her events.
Her actions revealed the importance of self-awareness and care, and prioritizing oneself over judgment from others. Though her withdrawal sparked some negative reactions from the public, it was monumental for the destigmatization of mental health.
Malinin and Biles’ actions were not only impactful because of their large platform and outreach, but also because Olympians are resilient and strong. This breaks down the notion that mental conditions signal weakness as Malinin and Biles fought them while at the top of their game.
Mental health conditions can impact the world’s most elite athletes, causing them to stumble under the immense pressure, but making the decision to step back is not a sign of weakness. Instead, battling and admitting these struggles takes great courage and strength.
Olympians’ impacts go beyond physical strength as they advocate for mental wellness and validate a condition that negatively affects people across the world.
This story was written by Amelia Lerret. She can be reached at [email protected].
