Grief and loss are significant challenges for elite athletes, yet they are often overlooked because of the assumption that all athletes are inherently strong and resilient. This oversight can lead to a misalignment in the care and support athletes need.
Grief in sport is not confined to death; it encompasses sudden changes such as career-ending injuries, early retirement, not qualifying for events, or not making the cut.
The recent resignation of the Matildas' Australian women's football coach highlights how elite athletes must navigate these upheavals. While the stakes are higher at the elite level, the fundamental feelings of dashed hopes and disrupted dreams are experiences many of us can relate to, whether through a lost recreational game or unmet personal goals. This shared sense of loss reminds us that, despite the heightened visibility of their struggles, the emotional challenges faced by elite athletes are deeply human.
The nature of grief and loss in elite sport
Grief is a complex set of emotional reactions and psychological responses experienced in response to a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a meaningful relationship, or other major life changes. It encompasses a range of feelings, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion, and can manifest in physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Grief is a natural and individual process, although universal, grief and loss are experienced differently in elite sport. Brewer, Van Raalte, and Linder (1993) note in their study that, "When athletes’ self-worth is closely tied to their sport, disruptions like career-ending injuries can lead to significant emotional distress and psychological challenges” (Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993, p. 245). Their study underscores how the very attributes that drive an athlete’s success can also become a source of deep struggle when their career faces threats. For athletes these feelings of grief and loss arise from:
1. Loss of purpose
When an athlete's main drive – such as competing, achieving goals, or even the daily routine of training – is abruptly disrupted through injury, retirement, not being chosen to play, or losing a key match, it can rob them of their motivation and sense of meaning and direction; this can make it difficult to find reasons to keep moving forward.
Case study: Untimely retirement, Jelena Dokic
Australian tennis player, Jelena Dokic, who once achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the Women’s Tennis Association singles, retired from professional tennis at the age of 31 in 2014 due to a combination of injuries and personal challenges. Her early retirement marked the end of a distinguished career that had been central to her identity and aspirations. The physical and emotional toll of her injuries created a significant void, compelling Dokic to navigate the difficult transition from being a competitive athlete to redefining herself outside the sport. Her experience highlights the profound impact that early retirement due to injury can have on an athlete's sense of life meaning and purpose.
2. Loss of identity
A deep crisis emerges when an athlete’s core sense of self, closely tied to their sport, is challenged. The end of a career, major role changes, or missed opportunities can lead to confusion and a struggle to find self-worth outside of their athletic achievements, challenging their sense of identity.
Case study: Jemima Montag, Olympic bronze medalist
Australian race walker Jemima Montag recently showcased a mindset that balances identity with sporting achievement following her bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In her post-race interview, Montag reflected, “I have a real sense of calm and a sense of wanting the medal but not needing the medal. And that’s a really critical difference. It’s like I want it and I’m ready and willing to be tough and give it a crack. But I don’t need it to feel worthy and loved and appreciated and to know who I am outside of all this” (Montag, 2024). Her perspective underscores the importance of separating self-worth from athletic achievements, illustrating a vital approach for managing the psychological impact of sports-related challenges.
3. Loss of relationships
This involves the emotional toll from changes in key relationships within the sport, such as the departure or death of a mentor, coach, or teammate, disrupting essential support networks and stability. In elite sports, where the pressure to perform is immense, these losses are intensified by an expectation to uphold a façade of strength.
Case study: The Matildas’ coach resignation
The recent resignation of the Matildas’ football coach Tony Gustavsson has highlighted the profound effects of grief through the loss of relationships. Gustavsson’s departure deeply affects team cohesiveness and the players’ emotional and psychological well-being, leading to a period of uncertainty and emotional turbulence. This situation is a double blow: the Matildas are grappling with both the loss of an Olympic medal placement (loss of purpose) and the departure of their coach (loss of relationship). The absence of familiar leadership is likely to have created a void that impacts the team’s cohesion, and confidence, that will alter team dynamics, potentially leading to disharmony and confusion. The situation highlights the need to address the broader impacts of grief and loss on wellbeing that come as a result of leadership changes.
Case study: Untimely death of Darren Randall
Darryn Randall, a promising South Australian cricketer, tragically died at the age of 26 in October 2013 after being struck on the head by a bouncer during a domestic match. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact led to his untimely death. Randall's death created a profound emotional void within the cricket community, deeply affecting his teammates, coaches, and fans who were left to navigate intense grief and mourning, grappling with the sudden loss of a close friend and promising player, which disrupted their sense of camaraderie, relationships and collective morale. His death highlighted the significant emotional and psychological impact that the loss of a young athlete can have on those around them.
Navigating uncertainty: Everyone experiences grief differently
In my role as a Wellbeing & Spiritual Care Practitioner at a leading trauma hospital in Melbourne, I encountered daily the deep sense of uncertainty faced by patients regarding their health outcomes. The prolonged uncertainty often led to a noticeable decline in mood and hope, reflecting a profound loss of identity and purpose.
This experience parallels the challenges elite athletes face when dealing with uncertainties such as injuries or being left out of a game. Just as patients grapple with the emotional toll of not knowing their future, athletes also wrestle with the psychological strain of disrupted careers and dashed dreams. Understanding these parallels can offer valuable insights into how athletes can better manage their own uncertainties and emotional challenges.
Grief and loss is a highly individual experience and so too is how each athlete copes with it. It’s important that athletes are encouraged to find what feels authentic and true to them. For some athlete’s taking time out from sport and training may be what’s needed, in which case, athlete wellbeing strategies and contracts need to include access to take personal grief or bereavement days. While for other athletes keeping a sense of routine and remaining focused on their sport and training might be more beneficial in the process to work through difficult emotions. I know for me, although not an elite athlete, training at the gym is pinnacle to maintaining my mental health, I have even shed tears while lifting weights, as the physical connection to my body enables a profound sense of emotional release.
Case study: Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger's father's death
In his time as a professional bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger faced a profound personal loss when his father, Gustav, passed away just days before the 1972 Mr. Olympia competition. Despite his grief, Schwarzenegger chose to compete, seeing the event as a way to honour his father's memory and cope with his sorrow. His decision underscores how focusing on sport can serve as a salve to grief, allowing athletes to channel their emotions into their performance as a means to feeling, and shifting through, the pain. This approach highlights the complex approaches towards grief and loss in elite sport.
Support services and resources for athletes
Athletes and coaches may experience depression, anxiety, or a sense of identity crisis. While some may find solace in therapy, support groups, or creative outlets, others might struggle with unhealthy coping strategies like substance abuse or isolation. Athletes facing loss or grief can benefit from several approaches to manage their emotions. Firstly, seeking professional support from sports psychologists or counsellors can provide valuable coping strategies and a safe space to process feelings. Building a strong support network of friends, family, and fellow athletes can also offer emotional stability. Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness, gentle forms of movement, and hobbies outside of sports, can help maintain mental wellbeing. Additionally, embracing open communication and allowing oneself to grieve while gradually setting new personal goals can aid in the transition from various losses.
Innovative perspectives: The role of organisational culture in grief
Organisational culture plays a significant role in shaping how grief and loss are managed. Teams with a strong culture of mental health support tend to handle these challenges more effectively. Open discussions about mental health and regular check-ins can help normalise these conversations. As the understanding of mental health in sport evolves, several trends are emerging in mental health technology, such as AI-driven mood tracking. Implementing policies that prioritise mental health and provide resources for grief support can create a more compassionate environment and are essential for maximising athlete wellbeing.
Sound therapy for athletes: A modern approach to grief and loss
Mindfulness activities such as sound therapy offer valuable tools for athletes facing grief and loss. A team sound meditation session not only promotes emotional regulation, stress reduction, improved sleep, enhanced focus, and greater self-awareness, it also helps to foster team cohesiveness and re-establish the team’s collective rhythm. This practice can support athletes and coaching teams in navigating the emotional challenges that come with collective grief and loss.
Grief and loss are inevitable
Grief and loss are inevitable parts of life, but in elite sport, they come with unique challenges. Understanding these challenges and creating supportive environments can help athletes and coaches navigate these difficult times. By acknowledging the emotional toll of grief and loss and investing in effective support systems, we can foster a culture of both resilience, and empathy, in the sporting world.
References:
Brewer, B. W., Van Raalte, J. L., & Linder, D. E. (1993). The self-worth of athletes: The role of sport in their lives. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 15(3), 242-253.
This article is authored by Nicole Sultana, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise & Sport Science, a Post Graduate Degree in Spiritual Care, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Business (Marketing). In addition, she is a Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner and a Death Doula. Nicole is the founder of Sound Consciousness, a company that offers wellbeing strategies and therapeutic sound practices to help individuals achieve peak performance in their professional lives, relationships, and personal aspirations.
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