Sports are well-known throughout the entire world. We recognize athletes’ highlights on the courts and fields, but we never really take a moment to focus on what’s going on in their lives beyond the sport that they’re known for. Athletes have varying opinions on the effect that their sport has on their life and mental health. 

The pressure an athlete has to deal with on a daily basis can become overwhelming. The negative criticism does not discriminate against whether you are a pro athlete or a school athlete. The effects on their wellbeing can be detrimental. This past year in July, gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles took some time off during the Tokyo Olympics citing her poor mental health as the reason. She later stated on her Instagram, “I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times.” Her struggles were echoed around the world as supporters for her empathized with her experience. 

Along with the negative, also comes the positive. Athletes work extremely hard to accomplish their personal goals, and if they put in the hard work, in the end they get the recognition that they deserve. Simone Biles also has some positive things to say as she’s going through tough times during the Olympics. She said, “The outpouring of love and support I’ve received made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before.” As an athlete it all depends on how strong you can be mentally and physically, to deal with the pressure and perform the best you can, and still have the love you have for your sport.