THE OLYMPICS represent years of preparation, which culminate in either triumph or disappointment. But after the adrenaline and excitement fade, athletes often face a difficult emotional phase.
Given the rarity of Olympic success — only 14 Filipino athletes have secured 18 medals since 1924 — helping them navigate life after competition is equally vital.
Asst. Prof. Karen Trinidad, chair of the UST Department of Psychology and a consultant for the Philippine Sports Commission, highlighted the challenges of “post-Olympic blues” as a significant struggle for athletes.
“For four years, their focus is on qualifying for the Olympics,” Trinidad told the Varsitarian in a mix of English and Filipino. “If they win, the question becomes, ‘Am I going to proceed for another cycle?’ If they earn bronze or silver, they might think, ‘Maybe I can win gold next time.’ But if they lose, it’s often, ‘Can I still compete?’”
Trinidad, who played a key role in Hidilyn Diaz’s support team as a sports psychologist during her groundbreaking gold medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, emphasized the critical need for mental resilience in managing anxiety and pressure.
“With Hidilyn, I told her to focus on what she could control — take it one day at a time,” Trinidad said. “I asked her to stick to a routine and do the things that she enjoys.”
Statistics referenced by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 showed that 33.6% of elite athletes battle anxiety and depression, and following the end of their careers, 26.4% encounter significant mental health challenges.
Though often overlooked and even stigmatized, Trinidad’s role has been pivotal in ensuring Filipino athletes are not just physically fit but also mentally ready to compete at their best.
“Performance in sports comes down to three aspects: physical, technical, and psychological,” she said. “Athletes may train six days a week, often twice a day, to focus on the physical and technical, but the psychological aspect is equally important. In fact, sports psychology is essential to reaching peak performance.”
“Mindset, motivation, commitment, anxiety, self-talk, mental imagery, and managing anxiety — all of those are part of the mental preparation needed to excel.”
Trinidad said Diaz’s triumph also changed the way sports psychology is perceived in the Philippines.
“Hidilyn was very vocal about how sports psychology helped her succeed, and that was a turning point,” Trinidad said. “After her gold medal win, more people became open to the idea of seeking mental support. It wasn’t seen as something ‘wrong’ anymore but as an integral part of success.”
Trinidad’s expertise has also helped other Filipino Olympians, such as boxer Nesthy Petecio, who became the first Filipino to win multiple Olympic medals, most recently a bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.
Looking forward, Trinidad hopes sports psychology will be embraced more broadly, especially at the collegiate level, including leagues like the UAAP and NCAA.
According to Trinidad, providing young athletes with early access to mental health support could aid them in handling competitive pressures and preventing burnout.
“If Olympians rely on sports psychology, then collegiate athletes should have access to it as well,” she said. “We’re losing a lot of athletes to burnout or a lack of proper guidance.”
Trinidad believes that with adequate mental health resources, the next generation of Filipino athletes can cultivate the psychological strength needed to excel, potentially leading to more Olympic victories.
“The Olympics (feature) the best of the best,” she said. “There is no room for error. You want your performance to be the best because you are competing with the best. So it’s important to prepare them with the right mindset and motivation.” Marigela Isabel R. Cirio
