INDIANAPOLIS — Dr. Elaine Gilbert, a seasoned psychologist with deep insights into the mental health challenges faced by athletes, emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, a trait that she believes extends far beyond the athletic arena.
“We often think of training as purely physical, but mental training is just as crucial,” says Dr. Gilbert. “It’s about focusing on what we can control.”
Dr. Gilbert, who once competed in javelin at Purdue University, now dedicates her expertise to pediatric psychology at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Her research into the mental health of Olympians has led her to conclude that the coping strategies employed by elite athletes are universally applicable.
“When we observe the meticulous preparation and mental fortitude of Olympians, there’s much to be learned,” Dr. Gilbert noted.
Former Team USA Olympian Erin Gilreath, who competed in the hammer throw at the 2004 Athens Games, echoed these sentiments. Despite not placing, Gilreath reflects on the broader lessons of her Olympic journey.
“The Olympics represented just one day in my life at 24 years old,” Gilreath said. “Fear of failure shouldn’t define us because we are far more than our experiences.”
Now, Gilreath is committed to mentoring the next generation of athletes, instilling in them the values she’s cultivated through her own experiences.
“How you shape your personality and life to reflect your true self is crucial,” she advises. “These are the lessons that matter moving forward.”
Dr. Gilbert hopes that viewers of the Olympic Games recognize the resilience displayed by athletes on the world stage and consider how they can apply similar perseverance in their own lives.
“Investing in ourselves is essential,” Dr. Gilbert emphasizes. “Resilience is the key—how we persevere and keep trying despite the challenges.”
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