Mental health has long been recognized as a top priority in life, and this holds true not only in our daily lives but also in the world of sports. The mental well-being of athletes, coaches, and support staff is vital to their performance, personal growth, and overall health. While mental health has often been overlooked or minimized in the past, there has been a significant shift in recent years toward understanding its importance. This shift has been fueled by the increasing recognition within sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), that the mental health of all individuals involved in sports is just as crucial as physical health.

Although I don’t always agree with what the IOC does, I must admit that they have made some notable strides in addressing the mental health needs of athletes and support staff. Over the years, the IOC has listened to the feedback from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the sport psychology community, both of whom have long advocated for a more structured and comprehensive approach to mental health. This collaboration has led to the development of several initiatives, including the creation of ​mental health services provided at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024​, the ​IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit​ as well as specialized certifications and diplomas aimed at enhancing mental health support in sports.

The IOC’s certifications are designed to equip professionals—whether they are sport psychologists, coaches, or other support staff—with the knowledge and tools needed to help athletes maintain their mental well-being. These formal qualifications not only emphasize mental health awareness but also teach practical psychological support strategies that can be applied directly in the context of elite sports. By integrating mental health care into the broader framework of physical training and performance, these certifications are helping to prioritize mental health on par with physical readiness.

The IOC offers three key certifications that focus on mental health and safeguarding in elite sport: the IOC Certificate in Mental Health in Elite Sport, the IOC Diploma in Mental Health in Elite Sport, and the IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Elite Sport.

The ​IOC Certificate in Mental Health in Elite Sport​ is designed to provide sport psychologists, coaches, and support staff with the necessary skills to identify and manage mental health challenges among athletes in high-performance environments. It focuses on the practical application of mental health strategies tailored to elite sports settings. The ​IOC Diploma in Mental Health in Elite Sport​ is a more advanced qualification that builds upon the certificate, offering in-depth training in mental health issues, intervention techniques, and long-term mental health management for athletes. This diploma is ideal for professionals wishing to specialize further in mental health support for athletes and to integrate it more deeply into their overall support systems. The ​IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Elite Sport​ is designed for those responsible for protecting athletes from abuse, harassment, and exploitation. This certification helps professionals create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable athletes. In fact, this certification is required for NOC permanent staff members to be accredited for participation in future Olympic Games.

While these certifications are a significant step forward, one challenge that remains is accessibility, especially considering the associated costs. The IOC Certificate in Mental Health in Elite Sport is priced at 300 GBP, the IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Elite Sport at 1,800 GBP, and the IOC Diploma in Mental Health in Elite Sport at 2,900 GBP. While Olympic Solidarity may provide some financial support for those who cannot afford the fees, the cost could still present a barrier, particularly in regions where education on these topics is urgently needed, but resources are limited. It’s important to consider who can truly access these opportunities, and how the IOC can ensure these programs reach a broader audience.

Nonetheless, the IOC’s initiatives represent a crucial step in the right direction. They recognize the complex pressures athletes face, from intense competition to the mental strain of public scrutiny and personal challenges. These certifications not only provide professionals with the skills to support athletes in managing their mental health, but they also contribute to building a culture of care within the sports community. Mental health is increasingly viewed as an integral part of an athlete’s overall success, and these programs underscore that mental well-being should never be an afterthought.

Furthermore, it is important to note that these certifications are becoming or will become mandatory for professionals wishing to join national delegations at the Summer, Winter, or Youth Olympic Games, ​particularly for roles such as the Welfare Officer​. For those considering a career in this field, taking these courses may be essential, and it’s advisable to discuss these opportunities with your NOC if this is part of your career path.

Finally, I’d love to hear from you! Are there any other courses, certifications, or training programs that you’ve found valuable for learning more about mental health or safeguarding in sport? Please share your insights by replying to this message—together, we can continue to improve our understanding and support of mental health in the world of sports.