As a sports psychologist, having worked with athletes over the years, support can never be too much, regardless of what is provided, but there is key support that national athletes should not be without.

As such, I want to recognise the immense dedication and effort that our national athletes put into representing Jamaica on the world stage. Their commitment to excellence should be met with equally strong support systems, ensuring they have every advantage to compete at their highest potential. However, as the 2024 Paris Olympics comes to an end, there are clear concerns about the adequacy of the support provided to our athletes, particularly in the areas of tactical, administrative, and psychological support.

To Importance of Support Field Athletes

One of the most pressing issues is the lack of support for field athletes, some of whom are competing at this critical stage without their field coaches. The absence of these coaches means that athletes are deprived of essential technical and tactical guidance at a time when it is most needed. This raises serious questions about whether our field athletes are receiving the respect and consideration they deserve. A robust support system that includes the presence of knowledgeable coaches can make the difference between a medal and a missed opportunity.

Comparative Support Systems

Many countries ensure their athletes are fully supported in every aspect, from accommodation to psychological care. For instance, some nations provide air-conditioned rooms for rest and recovery, private spaces for focus and relaxation, and dedicated social media managers to maintain a connection with fans and families on familiar media platforms and not just mainstream media. These efforts are designed to create an environment in which athletes can perform at their best, both mentally and physically.

In contrast, Jamaica’s support for its athletes, especially those in field events, appears lacking. Beyond the official public relations and media officers, how many social media managers or content creators are present to boost the visibility of our athletes? The limited resources dedicated to ensuring their comfort and mental well-being are concerning, especially given Jamaica’s significant global presence in sports.

Absence of a Dedicated Sports Psychologist

One glaring oversight in our current support structure is the absence of a dedicated sports psychologist for the Jamaican team. While some athletes might have access to psychological support through their sponsors, this service is not uniformly available to all. The mental demands of competing at the Olympic level are immense, and the presence of a sports psychologist could provide crucial mental health support, helping athletes manage stress, maintain focus, and enhance their performance.

Without consistent access to psychological support, our athletes are at a distinct disadvantage compared to their international peers who benefit from continuous mental health resources. It is imperative that our sporting bodies and associations prioritise this aspect of athlete care, ensuring that every member of the team is mentally prepared to perform at their best.

Need for a Unified Approach

To address these concerns, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and other relevant bodies must collaborate to bridge these gaps. A comprehensive assessment of our athletes’ needs should be conducted well in advance, with feedback gathered directly from the athletes about their experiences and requirements. By leveraging resources from sponsors, private sector partners, and government entities, we can develop innovative solutions that provide top-tier support without excessive costs.

Tailored support systems should include comfortable accommodations; technical and tactical guidance; and mental health resources, such as sports psychologists and social media managers. These measures will ensure that our athletes feel valued, supported, and fully prepared to compete on the world stage.

Our national athletes deserve the best possible support to succeed when representing us on the global stage. By addressing the current gaps in their support systems, we can help them focus on what they do best—making Jamaica proud with their outstanding performances.

Dr Olivia Rose is a sports psychologist.