The 2020 Tokyo Olympics sparked a significant shift in discussions about mental health in sports. Athletes like Simone Biles showcased the challenges and pressures faced at the highest levels of competition, paving the way for others to prioritize their well-being. American fencer Elizabeth Tartakovsky, who will make her Olympic debut in Paris, shares her own journey with mental health and how it has shaped her athletic experience.
In the realm of high-stakes competition, mental health plays a pivotal role in the success and well-being of athletes. The 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo brought this topic to the forefront, as four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles courageously shared her struggles with mental health challenges. Biles's openness sparked a wave of conversations and catalyzed a shift in the perception of mental health in sports.
Now, athletes like American fencer Elizabeth Tartakovsky are stepping forward to share their own mental health journeys, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and promoting resilience. Tartakovsky, who will represent Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics, has a deep understanding of the mental fortitude required in her sport.
Tartakovsky's introduction to fencing came through her renowned great uncle, Olympic fencing coach Yury Gelman. Witnessing the team's triumph at the 2008 Olympics ignited her passion for the sport. However, as she progressed in her career, she realized the intense competition and setbacks that came with it.
At a young age, Tartakovsky sought guidance from a sports psychologist to navigate the emotional complexities of fencing. "I realized that it's a grind," she recalled. "You have to lose more than you win, to learn and have to learn to be resilient."
In a sport where quick thinking and mental focus are crucial, Tartakovsky recognized the need to manage the pressure and expectations that came with success. "I had to learn how to emotionally and mentally prepare myself, how to recover in between losses, during rough patches in my fencing," she said.
Tartakovsky's journey has been marked by a constant evolution of her mental approach to the sport. "If you watch a fencing match, every point happens in two seconds. So, I had to learn how to emotionally and mentally prepare myself, how to recover in between losses, during rough patches in my fencing," she explained.
As she prepares for her Olympic debut, Tartakovsky acknowledges that achieving a gold medal is not the sole measure of her success. "I don't want my experience to be defined by the result," she said. She recognizes the importance of mental preparation and understands that the outcome of a competition can hinge on emotional resilience.
"It's really about who can show up on that day and be the most mentally dominant as well," she emphasized. Tartakovsky's perspective aligns with the growing recognition of the integral role that mental health plays in sports performance.
She credits the increased visibility surrounding mental health in sports for fostering a supportive environment where athletes can prioritize their well-being without stigma. "I think it's great that right now we're speaking so openly about mental health," she said. Tartakovsky's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of addressing mental health in sports, setting an example for future athletes to prioritize their well-being and strive for excellence both on and off the field.
