Athletes and Mental Health
In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure when it comes to performing on the professional athletic stage.
In the day and age of social media, athletes now worry about their brand beyond the sport and have added pressures previously not as focused on by other athletes of different eras.
That’s not to say that athletes of those times did not struggle with mental health, they most certainly did because there has always been stress and anxiety that comes with performing on the professional stage.
Yet, with the advancement of the smart phone allowing anyone to film and post game highlights or moments moments after it happens (even live with streaming capabilities) long before sports networks can post and share their professional quality and edited videos, which leaves even less room for error.
Now the top athlete in tennis, Naomi Osaka, spoke out before the French Open to share that she would not participate in the post-game interviews, citing her mental health as a reason.
While Osaka did participate in her post-first round victory interview on the court she did not attend the mandatory news conference which resulted in the governing entities of the four Grand Slams to fine her $15,000.
First and foremost, I do think it is important to note that in terms of press accessibility, these news conferences are deemed “mandatory” as a way to speak with athletes following their performance and are usually cited in the contracts athletes sign as a requirement of participating in the tournaments.
I am not saying I agree with the decision, but am merely pointing out why it is deemed “mandatory.”
Many athletes spoke out via Twitter in support of Osaka after being fined, noting that the forced press conferences around these sporting events are quite “outdated.”
The outpouring of support continued once Osaka announced via Twitter on Monday that she would be withdrawing from the French Open as she did not intend to be a distraction from the tournament and explained the preemptive steps she took to inform the governing powers of the French Open, the media and fans prior of her decision prior to the tournament.
Obviously, one must always put their health first- whether you are a professional athlete or not- and so I understand Osaka’s decision and am pretty appalled that the sport of tennis is not choosing to support its athletes.
On the journalistic side, I understand deadlines, stories and needing the quotes to file your story but perhaps it is time that athletic organizations and athletes come together with the sports media to find a new, innovative way to work in harmony.
But above all, please remember that your mental health is important. Focus and care on your mental health is not a sign of weakness. Take care of yourself above all else.
