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Tokyo World Championships to Feature First-Ever Athlete Mental Health Care Space



On Aug. 20 it was learned that World Athletics will be setting up facilities in the athlete hotel to provide mental care for athletes competing at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, which begin on Sept. 13. The move is part of a broader effort by World Athletics to support athlete mental health, and it will be the first time a mental health support space has been provided at a World Athletics Championships.

World Athletics CEO John Ridgeon revealed the plans in an interview with Kyodo News. In the world of sports there have been increasing problems with athletes suffering mental issues due to the extreme pressure. "Major competitions can be highly stressful for athletes, and our goal is assist them in dealing with that stress," Ridgeon commented.

The plan calls for two rooms to be made available at the official athlete hotel. One will be a quiet space where athletes can find calm, and the other a room where they can experience traditional Japanese culture and refresh themselves. Ridgeon indicated that mental health experts would also be available to provide direct advice, and that pamphlets on the roles of proper sleep and nutrition in mental health were being prepared.

Major international competitions like last year's Paris Olympics and this year's World Figure Skating Championships have featured this kind of mental care space.

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translated by Brett Larner

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