World Aquatics Advocates for Mental Wellbeing in Sports

World Aquatics has issued a call to action for those involved in the aquatics sport community to proactively address their mental wellbeing. In a statement made recently, World Aquatics affirmed its commitment to promoting mental health across all levels of the sport. The organization stands alongside athletes, coaches, fans, and the broader global aquatics community in encouraging mental wellbeing practices.

Prominent athletes within the aquatics community, such as Adam Peaty, Michael Phelps, Simone Manuel, and Amber Keegan, have become vocal advocates for mental health awareness in sports. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, especially in the aftermath of Olympic competitions. He has leveraged his status to initiate campaigns that urge individuals to integrate mental health care into their daily routines.

Simone Manuel, a multiple Olympic champion, has also shared her experiences with the mental pressures that come with elite sports participation, focusing on dismantling the stigma associated with mental health discussions. Similarly, American gold medalist Simone Manuel and British distance swimmer Amber Keegan have highlighted the unique pressures faced by high-performance athletes, advocating for environments where discussing mental health is encouraged and supported.

In line with its dedication to mental health, World Aquatics organized a series of workshops in Doha during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships. These sessions, conducted in partnership with mental health professionals, aimed to equip athletes, coaches, and national federations with the necessary tools and resources to tackle mental health challenges in sports. Attendees were taught techniques for building resilience, managing stress, and enhancing overall mental wellbeing.

World Aquatics also recommends that athletes and stakeholders engage with resources provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including the IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit. These resources are especially relevant as athletes transition out of major sporting events and face psychological recovery challenges.

For further information on mental health resources available, World Aquatics directs interested parties to explore these offerings through their official channels and the IOC’s platforms.