Public perception of elite sport as a world of emotionally stable athletes usually comes with the belief that success and glory brings the power to defy the problems of everyday life.
But when things start to go wrong, are sport’s heroes better equipped to dodge life’s curve balls that can lead to depression in mind, body and career?
Some sufferers, like British snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan, appear to be fighting their way out of the void while others, like disgraced American cyclist Tyler Hamilton, admits his battle is far from over.
Depression rarely leads to fatal consequences, but the tragic death two weeks ago of Australian track cyclist Jobie Dajka has underlined the fact that those we worship can often be fragile in nature.
A world keirin champion in 2002, and considered one of the most gifted sprinters of his generation, Dajka’s five-year emotional rollercoaster began with his omission from Australia’s squad prior to the 2004 Olympics and came to an end on April 7 when he was found dead in his rented house in Adelaide.
In 2004, Dajka was accused of lying at a Cycling Australia inquiry into alleged doping and told he was not welcome in Athens, where Australia went on to secure their biggest ever Olympic track cycling medals haul.
Dajka struggled, lost touch and was soon battling alcohol-related and drink-driving charges. An assault on his former coach, Martin Barras, in 2005 then led to a three-year ban from the sport.
Former track great Gary Neiwand — who battled his own personal problems and tried twice to commit suicide — had been helping Dajka for the past year and said the 27-year-old was on the comeback trail.
Claiming Dajka had never got over missing the 2004 Olympics, he said his death should serve to highlight the dangers faced by top level athletes when they take a wrong turn.
“That is the case with Jobie, but I am not going to point fingers,” said Neiwand, a four-time Olympic medalist.
O’Sullivan is regarded as the most naturally gifted snooker player of his generation, but he is no stranger to black moods.
But despite finally coming to terms with the “demons” that sent him from drink to a drying-out clinic then onto Prozac, O’Sullivan says his depression can strike any time.
“When I can’t play the bread-and-butter shots that make the game simple, I lose my rhythm and think, ‘This ain’t good.’ All season I’ve been struggling with them feelings. I become nervous inside because I’m not sure what I’m going to produce next,” he told the Guardian.
Citing the kind of exercise that has pleasure, and not pressure, as the main driving force, O’Sullivan’s love affair with running has helped clear his mind.
For Hamilton, that same approach might be necessary now he has retired after last week’s news of a positive test for a banned steroid in February — his second such test.
After shooting to fame as part of Lance Armstrong’s Tour de France winning team, Hamilton’s fall from grace has been steady but now it is final.
Given his staunch denials to having blood-doped, which led to a first two-year ban in 2006, now he is fighting to convince doubts over his claims that the steroid-based ingredient for which he tested positive was found in a homeopathic supplement he was taking to treat depression.
Hamilton explained why he took the supplement.
“I was desperate. At the time I didn’t think about the consequences. The people who suffer from the disease of depression understand my drastic decision,” said Hamilton, who claims most of his family suffer from the illness.
He added: “As an elite athlete, the public expects you to have perfect physical condition and also a perfect condition mentally, but that is not always the case.”
“Athletes don’t talk about it because it is a sign of weakness. It is nothing to be ashamed about, it’s a disease. It effects lives and can take lives,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely