Mental health has become a big issue in sport in recent years. Yet are many of the issues being branded as a mental health problem are to many not really deserving of being labelled as such.

We have been trying to find a sports psychologist willing to discuss this issue. Many declined the opportunity, but we are very pleased to say that esteemed sports Psychologist Sandy Gordon from Performance Perspectives International.

Sandy explains the difference between mental health and mental illness and warns of the perils of labelling some of the issues facing athletes today as Mental Health issues. He discusses the dangers of building a young athlete’s identity around their chosen sport and reveals that this has been identified and hence athlete’s are encouraged to also continue studying or another aspect of their lives being developed. How much is the focus on winning contributing to these mental health issues, and indirectly are our Governments to blame for creating a set up where funding is based on winning? Hopefully our discussion will lead to further discussions within sport that make it a better environment for all. (Here is a link to one of the books recommended – Good Sport)

Ashley turns his attention to the news that World Athletics is going to give financial rewards to its Olympic gold medallists in Paris. The announcement angered many other sporting federations but will it result in a change? The IOC reportedly made $7.6Bn in revenue between 2017 and 2021. They redistribute 90% of their income to National Olympic Committees and International Federations, World Athletics has opted to return that revenue to the athletes that have generated it, will others follow suit?

Moving on from Sandy’s interview we look at coaches and are they there for the players or themselves? Also is the current funding model the best way to decide which sports receive funding? Or is it in fact contributing to the problem? Is this the price of professional sport and has making it a full time job taken the joy out of the game for those playing. In addition how much has coaching killed the freedom afforded the players?

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