In 1981, after
labouring in relative obscurity, a long and lean lightweight from Nicaragua,
devastated one Ray “Bam Bam” Mancini, tearing the World Lightweight
Championship from his hands. A relative unknown, Alexis Arguello, now a World
Champion proceeded to hug and kiss Mancini in an extension of friendship. Such
was the nature of the man known as the “Explosive thin Man”. A polar opposite of
his pugilistic persona, Alexis opened charities, became a politician and
advocated for change in his impoverished country. Alexis would once again shock
the world, as he did in 1981, with news of his suicide in 2009.
In recent years the discussion of mental health challenges amongst athletes, both amateur and professional has erupted in the wake of such detriment that befell Alexis. Talk of Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mood Disorders and experiences of Addiction have become almost mainstream in conversation with athletics. Commonly, the discussion has revolved around sports of extreme risk: football, hockey and combative sports. Research into the effects of post concussive disorders, acute trauma and the experiences of duress have begun to unravel the effects of mental instability in those we consider to be the pinnacles of our humanity.
The weekend warrior, studied fan, amateur and budding professionals in the realm of sport and competition have idolized those who pioneered their respective fields. Terry Bradshaw, celebrated Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered in silence from anxiety and depression. As does former Speed Skating Olympic champion Clara Hughes and Olympic Sailing competitor Oliver Bone. These are only a small collection of well-known athletes who have, in recent years, divulged their challenges. For individuals who dedicate their lives to being the example of human physical potential, what has caused them to suffer so heavily mentally?
Does athletics not require a degree of mental fortitude? To achieve such accolades as the late Arguello, or to be repeat Olympic Champion like Hughes, one must have a mind of solid focus, dedication and unwavering discipline. But at what cost? Where do we find the sufferings of giants? Are spotlights so blinding we cannot find the vulnerability of those we aspire to be like? In a word, yes. Else, why would it be shocking to us that former football players, MMA stars and boxers are suffering the detriment of severe mental health issues? Oliver Bone discussed post not medalling at the 2008 Olympics feeling a sense of failure that overwhelmed his mindset. Unlike those athletes who succumb to imbalances from injury, the shattering of one’s self- perception can be equally as injurious.
What can be done to help our budding young competitors? What can be done to heal those who are at risk?
We can do, what we as parents, siblings and partners are supposed to do: encourage balance, show affection. Sport can be all engrossing, addictive and fixating. Many adjust poorly after competing; a sense of self- worth is lost, identity has shifted and usefulness is all for naught. Just as we would anyone else, we must remind those who push themselves harder, mentally and physically, that there is life outside the ring, off the field and out of the pool.
In recent years the discussion of mental health challenges amongst athletes, both amateur and professional has erupted in the wake of such detriment that befell Alexis. Talk of Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mood Disorders and experiences of Addiction have become almost mainstream in conversation with athletics. Commonly, the discussion has revolved around sports of extreme risk: football, hockey and combative sports. Research into the effects of post concussive disorders, acute trauma and the experiences of duress have begun to unravel the effects of mental instability in those we consider to be the pinnacles of our humanity.
The weekend warrior, studied fan, amateur and budding professionals in the realm of sport and competition have idolized those who pioneered their respective fields. Terry Bradshaw, celebrated Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered in silence from anxiety and depression. As does former Speed Skating Olympic champion Clara Hughes and Olympic Sailing competitor Oliver Bone. These are only a small collection of well-known athletes who have, in recent years, divulged their challenges. For individuals who dedicate their lives to being the example of human physical potential, what has caused them to suffer so heavily mentally?
Does athletics not require a degree of mental fortitude? To achieve such accolades as the late Arguello, or to be repeat Olympic Champion like Hughes, one must have a mind of solid focus, dedication and unwavering discipline. But at what cost? Where do we find the sufferings of giants? Are spotlights so blinding we cannot find the vulnerability of those we aspire to be like? In a word, yes. Else, why would it be shocking to us that former football players, MMA stars and boxers are suffering the detriment of severe mental health issues? Oliver Bone discussed post not medalling at the 2008 Olympics feeling a sense of failure that overwhelmed his mindset. Unlike those athletes who succumb to imbalances from injury, the shattering of one’s self- perception can be equally as injurious.
What can be done to help our budding young competitors? What can be done to heal those who are at risk?
We can do, what we as parents, siblings and partners are supposed to do: encourage balance, show affection. Sport can be all engrossing, addictive and fixating. Many adjust poorly after competing; a sense of self- worth is lost, identity has shifted and usefulness is all for naught. Just as we would anyone else, we must remind those who push themselves harder, mentally and physically, that there is life outside the ring, off the field and out of the pool.
After his death, it
came to light, that Arguello’s father had twice attempted suicide when Alexis
was merely 12 years old. A man battling demons of his own, wrought with inner
turmoil. He was stopped by Alexis. Thus exemplifying, a man, who even as a
child, was challenged by imbalance and the neglecting acknowledgement of mental
illness. In the ring, he battled with giants, in life his own demons. Both in
victory and defeat, we showered him with applause, but like so many akin to
him, in world of sport, we chose not to see the weakness, the sadness and the
doubt. We chose not to see the 12 year old boy, who grew into a man desperately
trying to help all, in hopes of fulfilling some self- deprecating hole. Alexis,
like so many who compete, give us so much, let us try, through our own
dedication, fortitude and strength of will, to give back.
http://globalnews.ca/news/612249/ex-olympian-spirals-into-depression-calls-for-more-mental-health-education/
http://globalnews.ca/news/612249/ex-olympian-spirals-into-depression-calls-for-more-mental-health-education/
Reardon, C.L. & Factor, R.M. (2010). Sport Psychiatry. A Systematic Review of Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Mental Illness in Athletes. Sports Med,: 40 (11), 961-980.
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/34/1/4.full.pdf
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/34/1/4.full.pdf
Gods of War; Springs Toledo, Alexis Arguello, pg 25, 29
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