For athletes at every level, sporting ambition should never come at the expense of mental wellbeing. European Athletics is marking World Mental Health Day today by highlighting the importance of mental health as part of its wider Race for Respect programme.
The accompanying video features 16-year-old Belgian hurdler Jan Geirnaert, who reached the 110m hurdles semi-finals at this summer’s European Athletics U18 Championships in Rieti after saying he wanted to enjoy his first European Championships and not put pressure on himself.
Athletes’ Zone
That message has also formed part of European Athletics’ work with the next generation. Mental health was among the subjects addressed in the Athletes’ Zone in Rieti, alongside safeguarding, respect and responsible use of social media.
By encouraging young athletes to recognise the importance of their mental wellbeing alongside their physical preparation and sporting goals, European Athletics aims to help create an environment in which looking after mental health is regarded as an integral part of being an athlete.