The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a grand spectacle as the world witnessed the official handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games. Tom Cruise’s dramatic entrance at the Stade de Paris during the closing ceremony added a Hollywood flair to the event, but the real stories of triumph extend far beyond the glitz and glamour. Over 19 unforgettable days, athletes from around the globe competed for 329 gold medals across 32 sports. Yet, perhaps the most significant victory in Paris was the spotlight placed on mental health, particularly among Black Olympians who have boldly shared their struggles and successes off the field.
A Shift in Focus: Mental Health at the Forefront
Mental health has increasingly become a central topic in the world of sports, and the Paris 2024 Olympics amplified this discussion like never before. The pressures of performing on the world’s biggest stage can lead to mental health challenges that many athletes are now openly addressing. Simone Biles, who carried the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony, epitomises this shift. Biles, who famously withdrew from events at the Tokyo 2020 Games due to mental health concerns, returned to Paris stronger, both mentally and physically, capturing three gold medals and one silver.
Biles’ journey has inspired a global conversation about the importance of mental health, reminding us that athletes are not invincible. Her story is a powerful reminder that mental health is as crucial as physical fitness, and prioritising it can lead to success both on and off the field. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognised this by introducing several initiatives to support athlete mental health, such as providing 2,000 licenses for the Calm app, establishing a mental fitness helpline, and creating a “mentally fit zone” in the Olympic Village. In this designated space, athletes can decompress and escape the pressures of competition.
The Importance of Mental Health: Athlete Stories
Beyond Simone Biles, several other Black athletes have shared their mental health journeys, offering inspiration and hope to many. Noah Lyles, the gold medalist in the men’s 100m race, took to Twitter to share his struggles with asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression.
“But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why not you!” Noah Lyles
Lyles wrote. His message resonated with many, reminding us that even the most successful athletes face challenges beyond the track.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an Olympic hurdler, has also been open about her battle with anxiety. In an interview with Women’s Health, she spoke about how she has learned to manage her mental health and rely on her spirituality to find peace. “Now, when I step on the line, I’m not running to prove a point… I’m not running to validate myself, and I’m not running to glorify myself. It’s using the gift I’ve been given to point all of the attention back to Him and show that He’s worth it, win, lose, or draw. It brings so much peace to know that if I lose this race, I did not lose any value,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.
Her perspective on self-worth and mental health offers a balanced approach to competition, emphasising the importance of internal peace over external validation.
Sunisa Lee, who returned to competition in Paris after being diagnosed with two kidney diseases, also highlighted the significance of mental health. Lee, who won three medals at the Games, revealed that therapy plays a crucial role in her training routine. In an interview with ELLE, she emphasised the importance of therapy in maintaining her mental well-being and performance. Lee’s story is a testament to the importance of seeking professional help when needed and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.
Celebrating Global Achievements: Triumphs Beyond Medals
The Paris 2024 Olympics were filled with remarkable stories of triumph, not just for established nations but also for smaller countries that achieved historic victories. One such story is that of Letsile Tebogo, who won Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal by clinching the men’s 200-meter race. Tebogo’s win was a momentous occasion for his country, bringing pride and joy to a nation that had never before reached such heights on the Olympic stage.
Another historic victory came from Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who won gold in the men’s javelin final, securing his country’s first Olympic medal in 32 years. Nadeem’s win was celebrated across Pakistan, marking a significant achievement for a nation with a relatively small presence in the Olympics.
The Philippines also saw a groundbreaking moment with Carlos Yulo, who won the country’s first Olympic medal in gymnastics and only the second Olympic gold medal in its history. Yulo’s victory was not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for the Philippines, a country that has long aspired to achieve greater success in international sports. A three-bedroom condo, thousands of dollars and a lifetime of free ramen are among the flurry of gifts that the government and local brands have pledged to reward the 24-year-old with for his historic wins in the men’s floor exercise and vault events.
The Caribbean nations of Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia also emerged as big winners when medals were measured per capita. Dominica, a small island nation with a population of approximately 66,170, topped the per capita medal chart thanks to a historic victory by Thea LaFond. Grenada, with a population of around 117,220, celebrated two bronze medals, placing it ahead of Dominica and St. Lucia in the per capita rankings. St. Lucia, with a population of about 179,790, also shone brightly at the Games, winning gold and silver in track events, further cementing the region’s dominance in the per capita medal race.
Lessons for the Business World: Prioritising Mental Health
The stories of these athletes offer valuable lessons for those in the business world, particularly for professionals in high-pressure roles like human resources and business development. The importance of mental health cannot be overstated in environments where the well-being of employees is paramount. Just as athletes need support systems to maintain their mental well-being, so too do professionals who face daily pressures of managing teams, meeting targets, and driving growth.
Here are a few strategies that business leaders can implement, inspired by the mental health initiatives at Paris 2024:
- Create a Supportive Environment: Like the IOC’s “mentally fit zone,” businesses can designate spaces where employees can take mental breaks. This could be a quiet room, a meditation area, or simply encouraging regular mental health days.
- Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Offering employees access to mental health apps, counseling services, or workshops on stress management can mirror the support athletes received with the Calm app and mental fitness helpline.
- Encourage Open Conversations: Just as athletes like Biles and Lyles have opened up about their mental health, creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges can reduce stigma and foster a more supportive workplace.
- Lead by Example: Leaders who prioritise their own mental health and model self-care behaviours set a powerful example for their teams. When management takes mental health seriously, it trickles down through the organisation.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can create an environment that not only supports the mental well-being of their employees but also enhances overall productivity and satisfaction.
Engagement and Reflection
As professionals in high-pressure environments, it’s essential to ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to support our own mental health and that of our teams? How can we apply the lessons from these Olympic athletes to create a healthier, more supportive work environment?
I encourage you to reflect on the mental health practices in your organisation. What steps can you take to ensure that your team feels supported and valued, both mentally and physically? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—let’s continue this important conversation.
Conclusion: The True Prize
As the Paris 2024 Olympics come to a close, it is clear that the Games were about more than just athletic achievement. They were a testament to the power of mental resilience and the importance of prioritising mental health. The stories of athletes who have triumphed over their internal battles remind us that success is not just about the medals won, but about the strength to overcome the challenges within.
In the words of Tim Gallwey, author of The Inner Game of Tennis, “The enemy is not the opponent on the other side of the net but the one inside your head.”
As we look forward to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, let us carry forward the lessons learned in Paris and continue to prioritise mental health in all aspects of life, recognising that the true prize lies in conquering the battles within.
Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing
I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.
I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!
Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!
