IOC offering mental health helpline for athletes

Mark Adams made the announcement after US gymnastics superstar Simone Biles dropped out of the competition due to problems dealing with psychological pressure to perform.

Tokyo: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is operating a helpline in 70 languages for athletes with mental health problems, an IOC spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

Mark Adams made the announcement after US gymnastics superstar Simone Biles dropped out of the competition due to problems dealing with psychological pressure to perform.

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The “Mentally Fit Helpline” is operating 24/7 and will be available up to three months after the end of the Games. According to the IOC, the helpline “offers in-the-moment clinical support, structured short-term counselling, practical support and, if needed, guidance to the appropriate IOC reporting mechanisms in the case of harassment and/or abuse.”

The head of the Olympic Broadcasting Services Yiannis Exarchos said it was “very difficult to have a more Olympic moment than that” referring to Bile’s dropping out and her subsequent decision to “stay there and support the team”.

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