Paris: Three years after gymnastics superstar Simone Biles put athletes’ mental health at the center of the Tokyo Olympics, this year’s Paris Games will show how much more awareness and support translates.
After struggling with mental health issues and “turns”, Biles was frustrated by the weather, which has been known to affect gymnasts at times since the events of the Tokyo Games.
Before the start of Paris 2024 on July 26, local organizers, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and international sports federations want to show that lessons have been learned.
We want to make sure it’s the best possible experience,” International Olympic Committee Safe Sport chief Kirsty Burrows told AFP.
For the first time in the Olympics, competitors in Paris will have access to a “mind and relaxation area” called “365 athletes365 mental zone” above the main gymnasium of the village.
Competitors will be provided with virtual reality headsets for meditation, bedroom and artistic activities in a low-light environment designed for peace and quiet.
“It’s going to be very zen, like a futuristic spa,” Burrows said.
