
In episode 54 of Mettle Minds Podcast Sport psychologist Dr. John Heil and Sport Psychology professor Dr. Les Podlog discuss Simone Biles decision to withdraw from the Olympics, and its impact on the world of sport. They examine the underlying issues in away that is sensitive to the everyday reality of sport but informed by sport science. They discuss athlete mental health, injury risk and psychological readiness, athletes’ rights and organizational culture, and cumulative stress and critical incidents. They also touch on remarkable feats and traumatic growth, the enduring impact of the ideals of the Greek Olympics on the culture of contemporary sport, and lastly, advocacy and the importance of seizing the moment as an opportunity for change.