Many athletes face an uncertain future of physical and mental challenges — and a difficult transition to ‘normal’ life
TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2022 — As the Beijing Games draw to a close, Canadians have many reasons to be proud. As was once again demonstrated by the likes of snowboarder Max Parrot, legendary speedskater Charles Hamelin, and the women’s hockey team, the Games bring out the best in Canadian athletes, who are among the most talented, dedicated, and highest-performing humans on Earth.
At an Olympics like no other, contested under unprecedentedly difficult conditions (COVID-19 protocols, separation from family and support networks, a fraught political situation, etc.), they still managed to be at their best on the biggest stage. But now these athletes must transition to post-Olympic life and to recover, physically and mentally, from the intense ordeal of training and competition. They’ll be reflecting on exhilarating victories and crushing defeats, nursing injuries, and contemplating the future — either preparing to somehow do it all over again four years from now or figuring out how to integrate themselves into regular, non-Olympian society now that the moment they dedicated their lives to has passed.
On these and related topics, experts in York University’s Faculty of Health are available for interviews.
Jessica L. Fraser-Thomas, an associate professor at the School of Kinesiology & Health Science, co-edited the book Health and Elite Sport: Is High Performance Sport a Healthy Pursuit? She is available for interviews and can discuss:
- The relationship between participation in high-level sports and health outcomes
- Broader topics in sports psychology
Joe Baker, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science, studies optimal human development to understand how someone gets to, and stays at, the highest levels of performance. He can provide insight on:
- The psychology of training and performance
- How athletes who have reached the top manage to stay there
Karl Erickson, an assistant professor of sport psychology in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science, that does research exploring how participation in sport contributes to psychosocial development and well-being. He can discuss:
- The psychological and social benefits of high-level athletics beyond the realm of sport and competition
- The importance of the coach-athlete relationship in long-term life outcomes of athletes
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York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact:Matt LaForge, York University Media Relations, 437-242-1547, mlaforge@yorku.ca
