Winning championships and competing at the Olympics are remarkable achievements, but sporting success does not guarantee emotional wellbeing. Elite athletes frequently experience intense pressure, anxiety and uncertainty, even when their careers appear successful.

Personal accounts from international track and field competitors reveal how cultural attitudes, professional expectations and access to psychological support influence mental health. Their experiences highlight a growing recognition that emotional wellbeing deserves the same attention as physical fitness.

Different Athletes, Different Approaches

Italian sprinter Zaynab Dosso, the world indoor 60m champion, has openly discussed the importance of psychological support.

She began working with a psychologist in September 2025, recognising that mental preparation can be just as important as physical training.

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has expressed a different perspective. Following a challenging recovery from injury, the Jamaican sprinter explained that she relies on personal resilience, faith and support from those around her rather than formal therapy.

Their contrasting approaches demonstrate how athletes may respond differently to similar pressures.

When Success Does Not Bring Happiness

American middle-distance runner Juliette Whittaker experienced significant mental health difficulties despite achieving remarkable sporting results.

While studying at Stanford University, she won two individual NCAA titles and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, these accomplishments brought increasingly brief periods of satisfaction.

Whittaker began linking her self-worth almost entirely to athletic performance, leaving her struggling emotionally even after major victories.

Following a serious mental health crisis in May 2025, she received hospital care and subsequently participated in regular group therapy.

Support from friends and family became central to her recovery.

Her experience illustrates the importance of developing an identity and sense of purpose beyond competitive achievements.

Why Cultural Attitudes Matter

Access to mental health support differs considerably between countries.

A 2025 study examining elite Kenyan runners highlighted financial barriers, limited services and cultural expectations as important considerations.

Research involving Chinese elite athletes in 2024 identified concerns about stigma, competition anxiety and difficulties discussing emotional problems.

Some participants preferred approaching friends, relatives or teammates before seeking professional assistance.

These findings suggest that effective support must reflect individual circumstances rather than assuming one approach suits everyone.

Life After Competition Brings Challenges

Kenyan Olympic champion Wilfred Bungei has described the difficulties of adjusting to life after professional athletics.

He believes athletes need stronger support when transitioning away from the demanding routines that structure their competitive careers.

Family encouragement played an important role in helping him address personal difficulties.

Bungei subsequently developed a new professional direction through sports commentary, which helped restore his sense of purpose.

Singaporean sprinter Shanti Pereira also experienced prolonged self-doubt after early success, struggling with injuries and expectations before rebuilding her confidence.

How Sport Can Improve Mental Health Support

The International Olympic Committee's updated 2026 guidance recommends individualised, evidence-based and culturally appropriate mental health care.

It also emphasises the responsibilities of coaches, sporting organisations and support staff in creating environments where athletes feel comfortable discussing difficulties.

Confidentiality, accessible services and greater awareness are essential to reducing barriers.

For athletes, recognising emotional difficulties early and knowing where to seek appropriate assistance can make a meaningful difference.

As international sport becomes more open about mental wellbeing, personal stories from successful competitors are helping broaden discussions about what it means to be genuinely healthy.