Naomi
@afrochicks
i won’t competing this year i have dedicated the past 10 years of my life to athletics, sacrificed alot, moved countries and cities, struggled with injury for the past two years and had multiple surgeries and have missed out on the past 2 olympics by small margin TWICE this lead to burn out and a decline in my mental health which is why i moved away from the national training centre last year when i went to south africa in jan i had a pretty awful time i was having daily panic attacks and my training was a mess, partly because of my grandad being in hospital and also because i just wasn’t feeling right i spoke to my coach and head of british athletics and we all agreed it’s best for my mental and physical health to finally…for the first time take a year off i’m still aiming for LA 2028 and i have many championships next year which i look forward to but for now i am going to experience LIVING and HEALING physically and mentally to make sure i can make my olympic dream a reality
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bradq
@bradq
The athlete's mentality unchecked doesn't allow for this kind of thinking so I imagine it does feel like a let down. BUT, I'm so glad you recognize it and are taking this step. I can't think of one prominent athlete chasing anything at your level or higher that has taken a break and then said, "I wish I wouldn't have done it." They universally say, best thing for me. I'm thinking like Jordan, Simone at the highest level, but also countless stories a few rungs lower than that that we see on ESPN or SEC Network films. It's gotta be hard, but you are going to it was the right thing to do in a year or two. 🫶 🙌
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Naomi
@afrochicks
wow thanks so much for this brad, its funny that i felt so alone without realising the incredible athletes who have done the same thing. i appreciate this reminder and am very grateful for your encouragement
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bradq
@bradq
Naomi Osaka, Phelps has talked about how he should have taken a break and didn't and it almost cost him his life... you should watch Netflix Breaking Point.... and anything about Kevin Love https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something
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bradq
@bradq
wanted to make sure you saw these too ⬆️ @afrochicks seems like you may have missed the reply
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