The Post-Event Blues: Navigating Life After the Big Race
by Meg Smith
Now that the Olympics are over, I thought an interesting topic to explore would be the landscape Olympians have to navigate post-games! From the outside, this may look very glamorous: loads of media attention, school visits, medal showcases… the list goes on. But for many, this is far from their personal reality.
As athletes, we often set our sights on a big goal—whether it's crossing the finish line at a triathlon, setting a personal best in a marathon, or competing in a major event. But what happens once that goal is achieved? For many of us, there's a high that comes with accomplishment, followed by a less talked about, but very real, low.
An insightful article in Scientific American explores this phenomenon, particularly in the context of Olympic athletes. After years of dedication, intense training, and the singular focus required to compete at the highest level, many Olympians experience a sense of loss or even depression once the games are over. This feeling is often termed the "post-Olympics blues."
But here's the thing: you don't have to be an Olympian to experience this. It’s something that resonates with athletes of all levels—whether you're a seasoned triathlete, a dedicated marathoner, or someone who's just completed their first 5K. We all pour so much of ourselves—our time, energy, focus, and even our identities—into our sport. So, when the race is over, or when injury forces us to take a break, it's no wonder we might feel a bit lost.
This sense of loss is completely normal. The end of a season, the completion of a major race, or an unexpected injury can all leave us feeling like we've lost a part of who we are. It's important to recognise these feelings, not just to validate our experiences, but to take proactive steps in managing them.
Strategies for Navigating the Post-Race Blues:
Plan Your Next Goal: Even if it's not as grand as your last, having something to look forward to can help maintain your motivation and sense of purpose.
Take Time to Reflect: Use this period as an opportunity to look back on your achievements. What did you learn? How did you grow? Sometimes, appreciating how far you've come can help ease the transition.
Stay Connected: Surround yourself with your athletic community. Share your experiences and listen to others—often, you'll find you're not alone in these feelings.
Prioritise Mental Health: Just as we train our bodies, our minds need care too. Consider mindfulness practices, meditation, or even speaking to a professional if you find the blues lingering.
Embrace the Off-Season: Remember, rest and recovery are crucial parts of the training cycle. Use this time to explore other interests or simply give your body and mind the break they deserve.
As coaches, it's important we recognise that these are feelings our athletes may be experiencing so that we can help them navigate through the process. In the end, acknowledging the post-race blues as a natural part of the athletic journey allows us to address it head-on, using it as a chance for reflection and resetting goals for the next season. By doing so, we ensure that when the time comes to lace up our shoes again, we're not only physically ready but mentally strong as well.