Olympic Minds Unlocked

Mental health strategies towards the Olympics

Mental health strategies towards the Olympics

In our fifth episode, pro sailor Emma Plasschaert talks about finding balance in life, dealing with tough competition, and bouncing back from setbacks. She also explains why she won't quickly hop on a helicopter. Joining her is para-dressage rider Manon Claeys, who shares how she copes with stress and pressure, offering valuable advice for those struggling with their mental well-being. Sports psychologist Jan Dierens guides the conversation, providing scientific insights into techniques that can aid athletes in their mental resilience. Finally, we wrap up with a comprehensive guide on where to seek support and assistance if needed. Be sure to follow us to stay informed about the upcoming episodes.

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This episode is in French. There will also be Dutch episodes available on our channel.

Today's topic: Olympic Challenges. 

In this episode, we welcome 400m runner and icon Kevin Borlée. The Belgian Tornado qualified for the Olympic Games last week at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas. He is joined by judoka Jorre Verstraeten. His resume includes 2 Grand Slam gold medals and 3 European Championships bronze medals. They'll talk about how they mentally prepare for big tournaments and discuss how social media affects their sporting careers. The two will be joined by experienced swimming coach André Henveaux. Being the father of the talented swimmer Lucas Henveaux, he knows exactly what it takes to get athletes mentally ready for big tournaments.

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This episode is in Dutch. There will also be French versions available on our channel.

Today’s topic: Olympic Challenges.

Even Olympians are human beings. In this second Dutch episode, 3x3 basketball player Thibaut Vervoort openly talks about the big price he had to pay for living as professional athlete. We also talk with Belgian Cheetah Paulien Couckuyt, who recently ran the European limit after a severe injury. She shares her insights on staying motivated during hard times. We also have the pleasure of welcoming top coach Fernando Oliva, who works closely with Noor Vidts and Kim Meylemans. Last but not least, we will discuss whether stress is a good or a bad thing. Don't forget to subscribe to stay tuned for our next episodes!

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This episode is in French. There will also be Dutch episodes available on our channel.

In this episode: The importance of mental health in elite sport. In this episode, we dive into the mind of hockey player Ambre Ballenghien and discover what she does to consistently perform at the highest level. We also welcome Belgian Cheetah Naomi Van Den Broeck, who candidly shares about her life as an elite athlete and how she deals with setbacks. Furthermore, we discover that Naomi possesses other talents besides running. Finally, we explore why mental health in elite sports is now considered so crucial. Sports psychologist and Professor Dr. Damien Brevers explains it all clearly.

Be sure to follow us to stay informed about the upcoming episodes.

Reach out to a person close to you who you trust!

Team Belgium contact points:

Reporting Integrity: 

General numbers:

This episode is in Dutch. There will also be French versions available on our channel.

Balance in the life of an elite sportsperson is a must. In this first episode of Olympic Minds Unlocked, hockey player Loïck Luypaert explains how the Red Lions were motivated to become Olympic Champions, and we discover why Niels Van Zandweghe had nightmares about the Olympic Games. The conversation is facilitated by sports psychologist Jolan Kegelaers. He reveals why the mental well-being of an athlete is just as important now and how you can continue to engage in sports during mentally challenging times.

Be sure to follow us to stay informed about the upcoming episodes!

Need help?

Reach out to a person close to you who you trust!

Team Belgium contact points:
- [email protected] or Team Belgium Sport Psychology Network (TBSPN) at www.teambelgium.be
- [email protected] or Safeguarding: [email protected]

 Reporting Integrity: 
- For sports federations - API (Aanspreekpunt Integriteit)
- Flemish contact point for transgressive behaviour
- For French-speaking sports federations - Référant(e) Ethique

 General numbers:
- Emergency danger: 112/101
- Anonymous call: www.tele-onthaal.be - 106 or via chat
- Suicide: www.zelfmoord1813.be - 1813 or chat
- Addictions: www.druglijn.be - 078 15 10 20

Step into the world of professional athletes with Team Belgium's new podcast series: Olympic Minds Unlocked! Join Olympic champion Nicolas De Kerpel as he embarks on a 6-episode journey through the mental world of top athletes. In each episode, two renowned Team Belgium athletes will openly discuss their challenges and obstacles