The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian national team athletes’ mental performance and mental health: The perspectives of mental performance consultants and mental health practitioners

Discover the profound implications of the global COVID-19 pandemic on high-performance athletes' lives through this groundbreaking research. Amidst the disruption caused by event postponements, cancellations, and altered training environments, Canadian national team athletes' mental health and mental performance during the pandemic were closely examined, as perceived by mental performance consultants and mental health practitioners. Thematic analysis revealed three crucial themes, highlighting the diverse factors affecting athlete mental health, the consequences of COVID-19 on their well-being, and the significance of prior mental performance skills in coping with pandemic-related challenges. Despite the adverse impact, the pandemic also offered moments of respite and enjoyment outside of sports. Participants emphasized the need for increased mental health resources and accessibility within the Canadian sport system.

This study underscores the importance of mental health support and resources in helping athletes navigate these challenging times effectively. For a comprehensive understanding, access the full research paper.