Strong support team and mental health are key to overcoming injuries for athletes

SINGAPORE – Injuries can be a vital part of an athlete’s life, but they can take a huge mental and emotional toll.

Having a strong support group and team to get through these difficult times is crucial, says national foil fencer Amita Berthier, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics and is recovering from a knee injury.

The 23-year-old was speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore Sport & Performance Among the topics discussed at the event are dealing with sports injuries and the role of people in creating high-quality environments.

Two-time Olympian Berthier, who was part of a panel discussion on November 6, said: “Coming back from injury is definitely mentally taxing. I think being vulnerable with the people around your support group, sports psychologists, and not being shy about getting help is really crucial in athlete development, especially at a high level.

Joining Berthier on the panel were Mick Massey, coach of Singapore’s seven gold Paralympic swimmers, Yip Pin Xiu, head coach Paulus Firman, head coach of Singapore badminton doubles, and Dr Harry Lim, senior sports psychologist, Singapore Sport Institute.

Noting that Yip suffered a broken wrist in October 2023 that sidelined her for six to eight weeks, Massey emphasized the importance of mental strength and openness between the athlete and her support team.

He said: “Pin Xiu is a world-class athlete with a world-class program and communication is one of the cornerstones of that program.

“It was clearly on her mind, she is an S2 athlete, the level of disability is high. And if you’re out of the pool for a significant amount of time and not training, it’s not like a normal athlete where they can get back in and then get back to where they were. But she is very experienced, knows what she wants and is not afraid to say: ‘this is not right’.

“And I think the psychological side of that rehabilitation was enhanced and brought about by the fact that she had confidence in the people around her.”

Dr. Sophia Papamichalopolos, a former Olympic alpine skier who was a keynote speaker at the conference, also believes that mental health training is important for athletes recovering from injuries.

The doctor, a member of the World Sailing Medical Commission, said: “We consider mental health and wellbeing to be an important consideration in all sports, especially in the recovery process.

“One thing is you have to have the patience to go through that, but also have the mental strength to make decisions together with your team doctor and your physios about overcoming the trauma.

“Because when you go back, you are often afraid of getting injured again.”

Berthier added: “There is always the fear (of getting injured) and I am more cautious, but that is why I try to work on the areas around my injured area to strengthen the muscles around it. Practicing good habits and constant rehabilitation is crucial to ensure that injuries do not recur in the future.”