On World Mental Health Day, World Aquatics proudly stands with athletes, coaches, fans, and the global aquatics community, reaffirming its commitment to promoting mental wellbeing in sport.  

Many aquatics athletes have emerged as vocal advocates for mental wellbeing in sport, including notable figures like Adam Peaty, Michael Phelps, Simone Manuel and Amber Keegan.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, has openly shared his struggles with depression and anxiety, particularly following Olympic cycles. He has utilised his platform to launch campaigns encouraging individuals to prioritise mental health care in their daily lives.

Similarly, Adam Peaty, a multiple Olympic champion, has candidly addressed the mental pressures associated with elite competition and emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. American gold medallist Simone Manuel has also been particularly vocal about the unique pressures faced by elite athletes, urging them to focus on their passion for the sport.

British distance swimmer Amber Keegan has further championed mental health awareness, advocating for the creation of supportive environments where individuals feel safe discussing their mental health challenges. These athletes, among many others, inspire a broader movement prioritising mental wellbeing in aquatics and beyond. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, World Aquatics hosted a series of mental health and wellbeing workshops in Doha during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships. These workshops, held in collaboration with mental health experts, offered athletes, coaches, and national federations the tools and resources needed to help manage and tackle wellbeing challenges in sport. Participants explored techniques for maintaining resilience, handling stress, and improving overall mental wellbeing. 

World Aquatics today also encourages athletes, coaches, and stakeholders to continue leveraging the wide range of mental health resources provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These resources, such as the IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit and strategies for psychological recovery after major events, are particularly topical given the transition out of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games cycle. We want you to know that you are not alone in this journey, and we are here to support you.  

For more information on available mental health resources, visit the links below, check out the IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit.

Post-Olympics Perspective Postscript