"A healthy mind in a healthy body" - and ASICS is doing something about it!
The topic of "mental health" has long since arrived in sports and tennis. One of the pioneers: the world number one Iga Swiatek. Their sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, now heads a group of specialists who provide personal attention to ASICS athletes.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Oct 26, 2022, 12:33 pm
Iga Swiatek put it wonderfully in an interview with tennis MAGAZIN in the spring. "I have my physiotherapist who takes care of my body. My coach who takes care of tennis. But I also need someone who is always there for me if I want to talk about anything."
It all started with the aim of improving on the pitch: becoming more focused, getting emotions under control. After that, it spread to life itself, to conversations about confidence, growing up, popularity, and the balance between sports and business. "It's great to have someone you trust, with whom you can talk, share experiences and talk things through. It's good to clear your mind," enthused the world number one.
Even more ASICS athletes should now be able to enjoy this. Recognizing the growing pressures faced by elite athletes, ASICS has introduced new measures to better protect and support athletes' mental well-being - a positive step in the sports industry.
"A healthy mind in a healthy body"
And it fits: ASICS stands for the Latin "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano", translated: "A healthy mind in a healthy body."
"The long-term physical and mental health of the athletes means more to us than any medal or podium finish," said Gary Raucher, Executive Vice President at ASICS. "We recognize that it is crucial to identify negative mental and emotional health symptoms early on. That is why we offer our athletes a network of coaches for psychological support."
Daria Abramowicz, Swiatek's competitive sports and competitive psychologist, is in charge of this. "Stress and anxiety are at a record high for all of us, including top athletes," said the Pole. "I've seen more and more brands talking about how they support mental health in sport - but ASICS is now doing something too."
In March 2022, UK mental health charity Mind published their Mental Health in Elite Sport report, supported by ASICS. He identifies the core areas to focus on, such as: B. further destigmatization and more funding for the treatment of mental health problems.
In all of this, ASICS hopes to normalize conversations about mental health by allowing athletes to speak openly and honestly about how they are feeling.
A role model here again: Iga Swiatek - who does exactly that.