Olympians to tackle mental health with Wellbeing Series

Launching today, Olympians and experts in the field will share their mental health journeys on live streamed programs and across the Australian Olympic team’s social channels under the theme of the #TackleTogether series.

Opening with a social campaign, including Olympic athletes Elijah Winnington, Jess Stenson, skye nicolson, blake edwards, brad hore, belle brockhoff Y Kyah Simon will share information about their mental health journeys from today until UK OK Day this Thursday, September 8.

Three live programs broadcast across the Australian Olympic team channels from October to December will highlight different aspects of wellness.

#TackleTogether will focus on the importance of social inclusion for well-being, with Olympic athletes casey dellacqua, Hannah Davis Y peter bowlParalympian and Allianz ambassador, Madison de Rosario, organized by Olympian Amy Jones on October 14.

#FaceYourFears with renowned big wave surfer Mark Mathews, who will showcase techniques to address fears and strengthen and maintain your mindset, presented by two Winter Olympians james mateson on November 11.

#AddressSustainability will meet diver sam frickerDr. Sheila Nguyen, Head of Sustainability for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and Matthew Nicholas, Director of Sustainability at Tennis Australia to discuss how sport can drive positive change, hosted by the four-time Olympic mogul Britt Cox on December 2.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll welcomed the opportunity for Olympians to inspire important conversations about wellness.

“The importance of wellness and promoting positive mental health has never been clearer,” said Carroll.

“From grassroots to Olympic competition, playing, umpiring, volunteering and supporting, sport can be a great positive force for improving well-being.

“Olympic athletes have faced challenges throughout their athletic journey and sharing their experience can make a real impact for Australians facing challenges in their own lives.

“Thank you to Allianz for their continued support of Australian athletes and for helping to shine a light on the important issue of mental health for the Australian community.”

Dual Olympic marathon runner Jess Stenson shared the importance of open conversations to maintain your mental wellness during challenging times.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the importance of really taking care of your mental health,” Jess said.

“There are times in my career where I’ve lacked motivation, where I’ve felt confused and questioned if I’m on the right track and other times where I’ve felt like I’ve lacked control.

“Through all of these situations, it really helped me get closer to my support team, people I trust like my family, husband, coach or sports psychologist to help me get through these periods and get through to the other side.

“These periods have also given me a greater understanding of myself, and through open and honest conversations, I have been able to find strategies that can help me when I am going through those most difficult times.”

Tokyo Olympic boxer Skye Nicolson said vulnerability was not a weakness, but an opportunity to connect with people and support her own well-being.

“Everyone experiences mental health challenges in all walks of life, in different ways,” Skye said. “I think the only way to break the stigma is by being open about it, talking about it, being honest and being vulnerable.

“In my own personal experience, I broke down on live TV after a very close loss at the Tokyo Olympics and only lost one medal. I felt ashamed and vulnerable at the time, but the number of people who came up to me and told me how much I helped them, showing them that it’s okay to show that you’re not okay, was a huge eye-opener.

“Communicating when we need help is very important and showing people that it’s okay to do so doesn’t make you weak.”

Renee Davidson, Managing Director of Marketing for Allianz Australia, sponsor of the Wellbeing Series, said: “The last three years have been incredibly difficult for many people, but the positive thing that has come out of the experience is that we are having open conversations about wellbeing. , particularly mental.” Health.

“There is power in being vulnerable and we hope that all Australians can be inspired and empowered by Australia’s elite athletes speaking openly about their fears and the importance of looking after their mental well-being in this series.”