For many, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of an athlete’s career, where years of dedication and sacrifice culminate in a single competition. But when the Closing Ceremony ends, many athletes face a surprising and often profound emotional challenge: post-Games blues.
Some athletes experience a sense of emptiness after a major Games, even if it's not always easy to talk about. Keely Hodgkinson, the newly-crowned 800m Olympic champion, has spoken about her “comedown” after winning silver at Tokyo 2021.
"The Olympic comedown is a really big thing," she told the High Performance Podcast. At just 19, despite accomplishing her childhood dream of winning an Olympic medal, Keely found the following months unexpectedly challenging. "When I came down from that high, things I used to get that high from, I didn’t anymore. Like going out with friends.”
Many Paralympic athletes experience the same emotional dip. Nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft described her emotions after Toyko 2021: “It’s a sad realisation that the thing you’ve focused so hard on over the last five years is over and that you are leaving the stadium and the athletes’ village behind.”
“After a few days at home, I normally start to notice the lack of people around me from the minute I wake up. You can’t text your teammate to come down to breakfast with you or find a table full of people at dinner to sit with. Life at home can feel a little quiet after village life, and a lot of athletes call this the ‘post-Games blues’.”
This sudden shift from the high-energy world of the Games to the quieter pace of everyday life can feel jarring. Keely describes hitting a “stage of depression at some point.” But, she says, she “felt I had nothing to be sad about and that was a struggle.”
Similarly, Hannah acknowledges that, after the excitement of the Games, it’s important to be prepared for the sense of isolation returning home might bring. "It’s to be expected that, after the high of attending one of the biggest sporting events in the world, life won’t feel quite the same when you get home.” Both athletes offer a powerful reminder that the transition away from the Games is as much of an emotional journey as the buildup.
In today's digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping athletes' experiences and can sometimes add to the emotional weight they carry. Olympians and Paralympians face the intensity of public scrutiny, which can amplify post-Games challenges.
Emma Speer, BEAA Mental Health Lead, explains that “athletes are vulnerable to criticisms too. Everyone gets comments on their performances, trolls and things like that.” Public scrutiny can often make it harder for athletes to see their achievements for what they are, leaving them more vulnerable to emotional lows.
Emma also highlights that "the more social media provides pressure, the more it may impact an athlete’s perspective of their Games." This underscores the need for a supportive, understanding environment both online and offline.
Emma reminds us that athletes are “people first more than anything,” so encourages social media to consider their output with greater empathy. For athletes, it can be helpful to remember that only a small number truly understand their sport, and to digest constructive criticism from close circle only.
Navigating the emotional terrain after the Games can be daunting, but there are ways to make the journey a bit smoother. Emma encourages athletes to “take it a day at a time” and to avoid putting undue pressure on themselves to "feel normal again." It's essential to give oneself grace and time to readjust.
Keely’s personal experience offers reassurance, too. She found solace in small, everyday activities and spending time with loved ones. "I had to take one day at a time and find little hobbies,” she says. “I have now learned to play the piano as a nice peaceful thing.”
Hannah also advises athletes to focus on small steps to make the transition easier. "Take your time, settle in slowly," she says, adding that finding new ways to reconnect with life outside sport can help. These seemingly small steps can make a significant difference, helping athletes remember their sense of purpose beyond their competitive achievements.
Hannah offers comfort to fellow Paralympians and Olympians with a simple message: “Always be proud that you made it onto one of the world’s biggest stages. Celebrate with your friends and family and lap up all the opportunities you can, because coming home from a Games is the time to let your hair down and enjoy yourself.”
There has been a positive shift in how we view athletic achievement and mental well-being. Emma points out that athletes now have a broader range of motivations for participating in the Games.
"It always used to be about getting medals, getting medals, getting medals," she says. Today, there's a growing recognition of the importance of ensuring “athletes have the best possible experience on the world stage,” with a stronger focus on mental health and well-being.
High-profile athletes like Simone Biles and Adam Peaty have spoken out about their mental health challenges, helping to pave the way for this shift. Growing awareness underscores the importance of supporting athletes not just in their pursuit of medals, but also in their overall emotional state.
At the British Elite Athletes Association, we are committed to standing alongside our members through every phase of their journey, including the sometimes-overlooked post-Games period.
Our support is tailored to you. It may be a conversation for general advice, signposting for specific support or making a referral to the UK Sports Institute mental health team for more clinical intervention. Whatever it may be, we are with you on this journey.
The UK Sports Institute's Sport Psychology team will also be working closely with sports on a post-Games period of Performance Decompression, which was introduced for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The four-stage process will help those involved in Paris 2024 return to a normal and more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity. The aim is to help those involved in Paris 2024 to reset quicker, avoid maladaptive responses, and make sense of the experience they have been through. Learn more by visiting the UKSI’s website or social channels.
Post-Games blues are a significant and often misunderstood aspect of an athlete's journey. By acknowledging the emotional challenges and offering support, we can help athletes navigate the transition from the Olympic spotlight to everyday life.
At the BEAA, we are dedicated to ensuring that every athlete feels supported as they move forward – at every stage of their competitive career.
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