The world of athletics is incredibly competitive. From the very best around the globe to the high school athletes right here in the Quad Cities, athletes feel immense pressure to compete and perform at a high level, regardless of injuries.
Girls soccer head coach, Andrew Piotter, understands how these immense pressures can impact athletes. “What begins to separate athletes at the top is their ability to block out internal pressure,” said Piotter. “The key to playing well under pressure seems to center around the athlete’s amount of preparation and overall confidence level.”
Lindsey Vonn, 41-year-old U.S. downhill skier and three-time Olympic medalist, suffered a torn ACL nine days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn opted not to undergo surgery until after participating in the downhill skiing event on Feb. 8. Her downhill run only lasted less than 15 seconds before it ended in a violent crash that resulted in a broken leg, which required her to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Vonn broke the silence about the crash in an Instagram post, writing, “While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets.” Even though experts agree her ACL injury did not directly cause the crash, there is still much speculation on whether or not Vonn should have attempted to ski at all.
This incident is a prime example of how the intense pressure a professional athlete faces influences them to compete even through injuries. However, these pressures are not limited to the Olympic stage; talented PV athletes deal with the same stressors.
Senior athlete Ashley Hansen is a varsity track runner, basketball player and softball player. She has experienced first-hand what effect injuries can have on both the mental and physical well-being of gifted athletes. “My injuries have definitely impacted me mentally. It’s always hard sitting on the sidelines and watching other people play the sport that you love,” said Hansen.
Research has proven that injuries have a substantially negative impact on athletes’ mental health. After an injury, many athletes may face anxiety, stress and depression. These psychological components can influence athletes to continue to play even after sustaining an injury.
“During freshman year, I played all three sports with a torn labrum and bicep tendon,” Hansen shared. “Playing through an injury is even more exhausting and draining than sitting out. It made me lose love for my sports because I was miserable and in pain every day.”
The mental toll is just one aspect of the impact injuries can have on athletes. As the athletic trainer for PV, Jason Viel is an expert on the negative effects that playing through injuries can have on the athlete’s body. “The body is interconnected, so if you do not fully or mostly heal from an ankle or knee injury, you can oftentimes get a muscle strain on the opposite leg if you come back too soon,” Viel said.
As a coach and physical therapist, Piotter brings a unique and valuable perspective to injury recovery. “While I may have a vested interest in an athlete returning to their sport, especially a soccer player whom I coach, understanding the player’s health and safety remains priority one allows me to maintain a proper perspective when these situations occur,” Piotter said.
While the athletic industry has shaped athletes to strive for perfection, it is important for all athletes, regardless of level, to prioritize their physical and mental well-being over their performance. Hansen and other athletes recognize that mental health should take precedence over their love for their sport.
“I think that being a three-sport athlete all of high school burnt me out,” Hansen concluded. “Even though my injury made the decision [to quit sports] for me, I know that it is the right one, and I know my parents and friends will support me in anything that I choose to do.”
