Akani Simbine, a South African athlete and silver medalist in the 4x100m relay, has raised his voice about the importance of mental health by joining a group of ambassadors promoting emotional well-being among athletes. As part of World Mental Health Day, Simbine shared his personal story of battling depression, encouraging other athletes to seek support when they need it. This decision comes from the growing recognition that many athletes face mental health challenges but don’t always know how to express them or where to turn for help.

For Akani, sharing his story is not only an act of bravery but also a way to reach out to those going through similar experiences. As he explains, there were moments in his career when the pressure and expectations deeply affected his mental health. By speaking about his experience, Simbine hopes to inspire other athletes to do the same and find the help they need. “If they hear my story and what I went through, they will think: Akani has been on the circuit for so long, but he still went through this and is able to talk about it and share his story,” he says, trusting that this will give his peers the confidence to open up and seek support.

The challenge of overcoming depression

After finishing fourth in the 100 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Akani Simbine found himself in a deep depression. That disappointing result was a hard blow for him, and without the proper support at the time, the situation worsened. It was thanks to his parents’ intervention that he decided to seek help and began seeing a therapist. Through this process, Akani recognized the magnitude of his depression and that he was not emotionally well.

Over time, Simbine managed to overcome this difficult period and began a personal rebuilding process, accepting that his identity wasn’t solely defined by his athletic achievements. This was key to his recovery. “Athletics does not define me,” he confidently affirms, emphasizing the importance of finding value in oneself beyond sports accomplishments. Now, Akani has a new perspective, focusing on the positive and not letting a poor result define his well-being.

One of the most important lessons for Simbine has been understanding that setbacks are part of life and that it is essential to find a balance between sports and emotional health. Now, instead of holding onto disappointment after a tough competition, Akani chooses to acknowledge his feelings and look for ways to move past them. This mindset shift has allowed him to enjoy his career more and face challenges with a healthier attitude.

For those facing similar difficulties, Akani offers a simple yet crucial piece of advice: admitting when you don’t feel well is the first step. Recognizing that something is not working emotionally is key to beginning the healing process. Then, he recommends seeking help, whether by talking to a professional or simply finding someone who can listen without judgment.

Akani Simbine’s story is a reminder of the pressure that comes with high-performance sports. Mental well-being is just as essential as physical health, and both coaches and athletes must pay attention to warning signs. By sharing his experience, Simbine not only normalizes the conversation about mental health but also demonstrates that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.