The Athletic Elite on the World Stage Today
The athletic elite on the world stage today is a diverse and multi-faceted group. This is evident through the many sports represented at the highest level – including the Olympic and World Athletics Championships, marathon running, race walking and para-athletic competitions. While success at the elite level is often attributed to physical prowess and technical skills, lifestyle and support factors may also contribute to performance. However, these are frequently overlooked in athlete development programs. Go here according to ylilauta.org
Athletes surveyed reported a range of support services as important to their wellbeing, with ‘recovery practices’ rated highly and made extensive use of. Most (>98%) also perceived that having supportive relationships was critical to their career. This was particularly the case for athletes with a personal coach or professional medical/allied health staff.
Defying Limits: The Athletic Elite on the World Stage Today
Some elite athletes are at risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and long QT syndrome. These conditions are exacerbated by vigorous exercise, and many athletes are advised to avoid physical activity entirely or to cease competitive sport. A small number of athletes compete with a defibrillator implanted in their chest, which can deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
A comprehensive framework for athlete mental health is needed that acknowledges the broader elite sporting ecology as both a contributor to, and facilitator of, mental ill-health. This should include a focus on prevention, early detection and intervention to optimise athlete wellbeing in conjunction with achieving excellence. Core foundational components should include improved mental health literacy to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking, and the training of coaches, sports medicine and high-performance support staff to recognise and respond appropriately to athlete concerns.