More than sport: Curlers reflect on mental health, balance, and support

More Than Sport: Curlers Reflect on Mental Health, Balance, and Support

October is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated globally to promoting empathy, understanding, and collective efforts for mental well-being. Beyond the intense competitions and national pressures, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.

Finding Strength Through Conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, seeing a sports psychologist has become vital for maintaining his mental health. He explained,

“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it. It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”

Gallant also credits his wife, fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman, as a key source of support.

“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”

Regarding his team, he added,

“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”

Challenges After Beijing 2022

Following the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced a difficult period, narrowly missing medal contention in mixed doubles by mere millimeters.

Author’s summary: Curlers reveal how mental health awareness and support systems are crucial to coping with the pressures and anxieties of elite sport, highlighting the power of connection and openness.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04