Paris 2024: Olympic Takeaways for Mental Health Innovators

As the curtains closed on the Paris 2024 Olympics yesterday, it's an ideal time to reflect—not just on the Games themselves, but on what they reveal about the broader world we live in. Today, I want to zero in on those of us working in mental health. What can we, as product builders, learn from this global spectacle?

Mental Health Is Finally on the Agenda

At Paris 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delivered the most comprehensive package of mental health and safeguarding initiatives ever seen at an Olympic event. This included innovative services and infrastructure designed to support athletes' mental well-being. Among these initiatives were;

• A new cyber abuse protection program driven by artificial intelligence (AI) that covered all athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris that has already removed thousands of abusive posts before they could reach the participants.
• 2,000 licenses for the Calm app given to athletes as part of a mindfulness initiative that aims to enhance mental health and wellbeing on a daily basis.
• A new Mind Zone that welcomed over 800 athletes and members of the Paris Olympic Village that provided a range of services designed to promote mental wellbeing, including access to mental health professionals, stress management resources, relaxation techniques, and tools for coping with the pressures of competition.
• A network of safeguarding officers working with International Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to guarantee that services are accessible to all athletes and tailored to their unique local circumstances.

Beyond the Buzzword: Mental Health as a Core Focus

The IOC has made strides, and athletes like Simone Biles have brought the topic to the forefront of public discussion, which is an undeniable step forward. Still, there is a lingering sense that mental health remains more of a checkbox on the corporate agenda rather than a deeply integrated focus. Too often, mental health is tacked on as an afterthought rather than embedded from the ground up. The result? Superficial features that claim to address mental health, but fail to genuinely integrate these considerations into the life and ecosystem of the user.

The Pressure to Perform: Finding Balance

The Olympics are synonymous with excellence, but they also underscore the immense pressure athletes face to perform. This pressure can lead to gold medals, but it can also result in burnout and mental exhaustion. The lessons here extend beyond sports. In any high-pressure environment—whether it's in our jobs, projects, or personal goals—finding the right balance between striving for excellence and maintaining mental health is crucial.

So, how do we strike the right balance? As product builders, as we push our users toward their best selves, we must also be mindful of not pushing them over the edge. Mental health products should empower without overwhelming—promote growth without causing burnout.

Inclusivity: A Non-Negotiable Standard

The diversity on display at the Olympics reminds us that inclusivity is non-negotiable. Yet, in mental health services, true inclusivity remains elusive. It’s not just about including diverse voices; it’s about designing with a deep understanding of different cultural contexts.

True inclusivity is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels seen, heard, and supported. And this isn't about including photos of all genders and races. It’s about researching, learning, and creating culturally responsive products that resonate and adapt to all users, not just the ones who fit a particular mold.

Future Vision: What Will the 2028 LA Olympics Look Like?

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, how might the integration of mental health evolve from what we saw in Paris 2024? Could we see mental health support that’s not just available, but fully embedded into the daily routines of athletes? By 2028, could we expect mental health to be as critical to an athlete's training regimen as physical conditioning?

As we speculate about the 2028 Olympics, the real question is how these changes might set a new standard, influencing industries and individuals far beyond sports. What could this shift tell us about the future of mental health in every aspect of life?