The WHO defines health as `a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity`. Mental health is recognised as an integral and essential component of health - and more than just the absence of mental disorders. And yet, within sport, discourse around mental health is often focused on mental health symptoms and disorders, compounding an already established barrier to help-seeking—perceived medicalisation. Conversely, elite sports environmentsplacing too much emphasis on an athlete`s sporting identity can overlook otherimportant aspects of their personal growth and overall well-being. The mental health spectrum flows from optimal well-being at one end, where individuals feel capable of handling life`s challenges, to more severe mental health disorders at the opposite end, where functioning is significantly impaired. The earlier one can intersect that continuum with appropriate, timely and contextual support, the more potential to limit current and future harm and reduce negative impacts. Recovery can be quicker, decline in performance can be minimised and there is a higher likelihood of returning to peak performance. However, intersecting that continuum presents a critical challenge, as early intervention requires early recognition. While sport-specific recognition tools for mental health exist, the onus is often still on the individual experiencing a mental health symptom or disorder to seek support, and access to specialised mental health care is, as recognised across society, fraught with challenges particularly at a large sporting event. To remove the onus from the athlete, event organisers should foster psychologically safe environments which focus on optimal wellbeing and facilitate early identification of any concerns to ensure timely access to contextualised and appropriate care. To address this, a new approach was implemented by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Olympic Games held in Paris 2024.
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