As part of Mental Health Month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a new athlete wellness initiative: a team of Mental Health Ambassadors. This group, composed of Olympic athletes from around the world, aims to foster dialogue on mental health, sharing personal experiences and focusing on the specific needs of athletes in their regions. Among the ambassadors is former British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, who has offered a valuable perspective on her new role and personal experience with mental health.

Bradshaw, who has faced emotional ups and downs throughout her sporting career, is honoured to be part of this initiative. “I was very honoured when I was asked to be an IOC Mental Health Ambassador. Mental health has been incredibly important in my career. It was a privilege to be selected, and I can’t wait to get started,” she shared. Perhaps the best ambassador – unfortunately for her – for this movement has been star athlete Simone Biles, who has openly acknowledged her mental health problems that have prevented her from competing normally in recent years.

TALKING ABOUT THE “POST-OLYMPIC SLUMP”

One of the key aspects of this initiative is cultural relevance, as athlete communities where stigma around mental health is greatest are often underrepresented. Bradshaw and his fellow ambassadors will use their platform to share the IOC’s evidence-based work and, in their own words, educate, inspire and give athletes a voice on this crucial issue. “I like to raise awareness about issues such as mental health, post-Olympic slump and healthy body image. So it fits perfectly with my values to help other athletes on their journeys,” she insisted.

Ending the stigma around mental health in sport. 👌

IOC Mental Health Ambassador @HollyBradshawPV tells us about the groundbreaking ‘Mind Zone’ at #Paris2024, where athletes could recharge and mentally prepare for competition.#MentalHealthMonth

Find out more ➡️… pic.twitter.com/pGRVvUXbGr

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) October 1, 2024

After representing Great Britain at four Olympic Games, Bradshaw recently retired from sport, but will continue to be linked to the sporting world through her new role. “I want to make a difference, improve sport and help young athletes get involved,” she added. Her role in mental health promotion has become an extension of her career, allowing her to continue to support the sporting community.

“I thought it was brilliant: the calm, the atmosphere…”

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the IOC introduced several athlete wellness initiatives, such as the ‘Mental Zone’, a space in the Olympic Village where athletes could recharge and mentally prepare for competition. Bradshaw stressed the importance of this addition. “Having the Mental Zone at the Games was very important. I thought it was brilliant: the quiet, the atmosphere, having everything to hand, and the ability to talk to someone if you needed to. I think it’s vital,” he said.

In addition, the IOC implemented other innovative measures at Paris 2024, such as the accreditation of welfare officers and an artificial intelligence-powered cyber abuse protection service. Bradshaw, who has been a victim of online abuse, was impressed by these actions. “When I heard about the technology used in Paris, I was shocked. I’ve been subject to quite a lot of online abuse, so it’s great that this is being taken seriously. I heard that the service was very beneficial and that a lot of abusive messages were stopped. Athletes appreciate it, as they can now do the sport they love in peace.”

THE IOC’S INITIATIVES

Throughout her career, Bradshaw has grappled with her own mental health and hopes that the IOC initiatives will help end the stigma. She has noticed a significant shift in the conversation around the issue in recent years. “I think the conversation about mental health has changed a lot over the course of my career. When I was a teenager in my twenties, no one was talking about it. I didn’t feel like there was support.”

Finally, Bradshaw offers valuable advice for young athletes who may be dealing with the emotions of elite sport. “I always say give yourself 24 hours to feel bad and be angry at yourself after a bad performance. But then try to take some positives or recognise what went wrong. I think a lot of athletes tend to bury it, but there’s a lot to learn from those experiences. It’s those moments of underachievement that teach you the most.”