It’s takes a very high degree of physical and mental training to make a cut at the Olympics. And that is why Olympians are kept in such high regard. For that matter any athlete participating in any sporting event needs to be in perfect health. Or else it could prove fatal (“Mental health should be at forefront of national priorities,” July 28, Gulf Today).

US gymnast Simone Biles who withdrew from some of the events of the Tokyo Olympics perfectly showed the watching world how important mental sturdiness is to any sport. The 24-year-old superstar blamed “the twisties” for her withdrawal. Luckily she escaped unhurt, because a twisties attack could end up with a broken neck.

The author stressed on the pressures experienced by young Black women called on to represent America. It is not just sport that we see the coloured people being pressurised, the discrimination and prejudice runs across the full spectrum. But, why only mental health of coloured sportspeople need to be in the spotlight.

Mental health should be at the forefront of national priorities, because it is an aspect of life that is paid scant respect to. People and athletes of all ranks, race and colour face health issues.

A few days ago Ben Stokes announced an indefinite break from all forms of cricket, because of the stress of his role as one of England’s most high-profile players. He is one the most decorated English cricketer and is currently placed second in the International Cricket Council Test all-rounder rankings behind the West Indies’ Jason Holder.

I am not sure if the pandemic has in some way contributed to the stress factor among athletes. Whatever the case may be sports organisations and government sports bodies will be forced to take the mental health of athletes into consideration in the future.

Ralph R
By email