SPORTS & MENTAL HEALTH
The Olympics are finally here! A year late, but the very fact we are able to have them is a positive step forward for the world. As I watched Naomi Osaka, representing Japan, light the Olympic flame, I was reminded of the courageous and controversial stance she took when she was playing the French Open this year.
As you will remember, Naomi declined to participate in after-match interviews during the tournament. For seven years as a professional tennis athlete, she attended every single interview, win or lose. Why then did this seasoned, very successful athlete, so mentally tough on court, opt to not do these interviews?
I have played in squash tournaments since I was 11, and there have been highs and lows. Losses are hard, especially after close games in very meaningful matches. The unique thing about junior competitive squash is you have to be the referee for the game immediately following yours on the same court. Imagine that you have maybe 60 seconds after a loss (or win), you have to sit shoulder to shoulder with your recent rival and ref another match. There have been times when I would have given anything to be someplace else so I can process. And as I replay those emotions, I can relate to why Naomi took that stance.
It of course did not end well. Competitive tennis tournaments require you to attend conferences, else you receive penalties; just like reffiing is a requirement in Squash. She eventually dropped out of the tournament, and also Wimbledon (which required the same) later. I can understand the tournament organizer’s point of view. If they make an exception for Naomi, how can they enforce it for others? Tennis is a fan sport, and the fans want to hear from players, win or lose.
No easy answers here, but I thought Naomi’s idea of allowing players a certain number of ‘sick days’ to excuse themselves from interviews is a good place to start. If you are sick, you don’t go to school or work. Mental health in sport should be no different, even if tennis and most Olympic sports are physical.
I am glad to see Naomi back on court in the Olympics and hope she has recovered and enjoying the sport again. Let the games begin!