In a podcast interview, we speak to sports psychologist Andrea Appierto who shares his insights on the evolving role of mental well health in biathlon.

Andrea Appierto is a former international Alpine skier who after retiring from competition became first a coach and then a sports psychologist. To coincide with the launch of the BIU’s Summer of Mental Health campaign, we spoke to Andrea about his work and about the importance of mental health in biathlon.

As an international skier competing 10 to 15 years ago, Andrea says there was little mental health support available. However, that is changing, and he welcomes initiatives such as the Summer of Mental Health and the launch earlier this year of the IBU’s Mental Health Working Group, in partnership with the BIU.

The role of a sports psychologist in the wellbeing of athletes is about more than just maximising performance, Andrea says, adding: “You have to let the athlete understand himself better and know himself better… It’s not only about the performance, but how to manage the way you live your sport”.

When athletes approach him for help, Andrea says it’s often about how to handle the pressure of competing better, adding: “When you try to reach the top level, the line between passion and obsession is so thin. Because we hear a lot in sport that obsession is OK to reach something great, but it’s a risk. So to keep yourself in a good balance, you have to know yourself and to find your own way”.

As for coaches, Andrea says they must understand that theirs is a support role, and that they should experience the athlete’s results “not through the athlete, but with the athlete. The career is theirs”.

To listen to the interview, click here.