In a landmark move aimed at championing athlete well-being, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the appointment of nine Olympians from across the globe as official Mental Health Ambassadors.
The mission: to promote mental well-being, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure athletes everywhere feel heard, supported, and understood.
Representing India is none other than Abhinav Bindra, the legendary shooter who created history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by securing the nation’s first-ever individual gold medal. Bindra, already a member of the IOC Mental Health Working Group, now steps onto the global stage as an advocate for mental wellness in sport.
IOC’s Vision: Mental Health at the Core of Sporting Excellence
“The IOC firmly believes that mental health is equally vital as physical health,” the Committee’s statement emphasised. “No athlete should have to face mental health struggles in isolation.”
As part of its Mental Health Action Plan, the IOC has brought together a diverse panel of Olympians, each with unique experiences and platforms, to help build an environment where mental health conversations are normalised and support systems are accessible.
These Ambassadors will serve as trusted voices—sharing research-backed insights, engaging with athletes and sports communities worldwide, and encouraging open dialogue. Whether through social media outreach, personal interactions, or IOC-led educational initiatives, they will inspire athletes to prioritise emotional well-being alongside physical performance.
Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change
By sharing personal stories of resilience and recovery, these Olympians aim to dismantle outdated perceptions, encourage early intervention, and empower athletes to seek help without fear of judgment.
The IOC’s statement concluded: With athletes leading the conversation, we are shaping a sporting culture where mental health truly matters, and where every competitor feels safe, supported, and valued.”
Meet the IOC Mental Health Ambassadors
- Abhinav Bindra (India – Shooting) – Olympic champion, IOC Mental Health Working Group member.
- Holly Bradshaw (Great Britain – Athletics) – Pole vault star with an MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology.
- Camille Cheng (Hong Kong – Swimming) – Founder of Mind the Waves, promoting emotional resilience.
- Bruno Fratus (Brazil – Swimming) – Olympic medallist and advocate for mental toughness.
- Gracie Gold (USA – Figure Skating) – Mental health advocate and author, inspiring through personal experience.
- Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith (Côte d’Ivoire – Athletics) – Championing awareness of athletes’ emotional challenges.
- Ryan Pini (Papua New Guinea – Swimming) – Voice for Pacific athletes’ mental well-being.
- Akani Simbine (South Africa – Athletics) – Founder of the Akani Simbine Foundation, empowering youth.
- Masomah Ali Zada (Afghanistan – Cycling) – Refugee Olympic Team leader, symbol of resilience and hope.
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