Breaking the Silence
Building Strength
THE MENTAL PODIUM
Why the Mental Podium?
The pursuit of excellence in sport often comes at a hidden cost.
The Mental Podium is a digital platform exploring the untold mental and emotional challenges faced by high-performance female athletes-from identity and perfectionism to resilience and recovery. This is where raw stories meet evidence-based research, where the unspoken becomes visible, and where performance is seen as more than medals-it's mental.
Stories & Voices
Real Stories. Real Strength.
Naomi Osaka: Silence in
the Spotlight
In 2021, Naomi Osaka made headlines not for her powerful forehands, but for walking away from the French Open. After refusing media appearances due to anxiety and depression, she was fined and threatened with expulsion. So she chose herself.
“I felt under a lot of pressure to disclose my symptoms,” Osaka later wrote, “because the press and the tournament didn’t believe me.” Her choice to prioritize mental health shattered the illusion that stoicism equaled strength—and opened the door for athletes to speak about vulnerability without shame.
Simone Biles: Twisties and the Truth
Simone Biles arrived at the Tokyo Olympics as the face of excellence. But when her mind and body lost sync—known as “the twisties”—she made a decision few understood at the time: she stepped down.
“Physically, I feel good,” she said. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment.”
Critics called her weak. But in truth, Biles showed unparalleled strength—demonstrating that a champion isn’t just someone who pushes through, but someone who knows when not to.
Serena Williams: Anger, Expectation, and the Double Standard
Serena’s career wasn’t just a fight against opponents, but against the expectations placed on Black women. Whether called “too emotional” for arguing calls or “too muscular” to be feminine, Serena’s mental resilience was tested far beyond the court.
After giving birth and returning to play, she faced further criticism—proof that even the greatest aren't spared judgment. “To be honest, there's something wrong with me,” she once said, “because I keep going.”
Her legacy isn’t just about Grand Slams. It’s about surviving a world that often wanted to break her spirit.
Research & Insights
Behind the Mind: What Science Says
Faces of Resilience
A visual celebration of focus, fear, recovery, and determination - through the lens of women who fight silent battles everyday.
Support for Athletes, Coaches, Advocates
Curated tools for emotional resilience, injury recovery, and performance identity work.
Join the Movement
Do you have your own personal story? You're not alone - and your story matters. Help us raise awareness and make change.