More than sport: Curlers reflect on mental health, balance, and support

More than Sport: Curlers Reflect on Mental Health, Balance, and Support

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a global initiative promoting empathy, understanding, and collective action. Beyond intense competitions, rigorous seasons, and national expectations, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.

Finding Strength Through Conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, consulting a sports psychologist is vital for maintaining his mental well-being. He explained,

“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it. It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”

Gallant also credits his wife and fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman for helping him stay grounded. He said,

“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”

About his team, Gallant noted,

“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”

Challenges After the Olympics

Following the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced one of the hardest times in her career, narrowly missing medal contention in mixed doubles by just millimetres.

Their stories highlight the importance of mental health support within elite sports, reminding us that athletes face pressures beyond their physical performance.

Author’s summary: Curlers emphasize the critical role of mental health support and open conversations to navigate pressures, maintain balance, and foster resilience in competitive sports.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04