As World Mental Health Day approaches, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of athletes, reminding us that behind every medal, record, or triumph, there is a person who also needs support, balance, and care. With its eyes set on the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the IOC has announced a series of measures designed to ensure that every competitor feels emotionally supported—not only during competition but throughout their entire sporting and human journey.

This new phase of the mental health program represents an evolution of the model successfully implemented at Paris 2024. The initiatives, designed based on the experience and needs of athletes, seek to create environments where performance and well-being coexist harmoniously. From relaxation areas in the Olympic Villages to online protection systems, each action reinforces the idea that caring for the mind is just as important as training the body.

A comprehensive support framework for athletes at Milano Cortina 2026

At Milano Cortina 2026, athletes and their entourages will benefit from an unprecedented framework of support that combines prevention, accompaniment, and specialized care. Among the main measures is the Cyber Abuse Protection System, a tool that monitors social media in real time to detect and remove harmful messages before they reach athletes. First implemented at Paris 2024, this system will be further refined to provide a safer and more digital environment.

Likewise, each Olympic Village will feature its own Athlete365 Mind Zone x Powerade, a space designed to help athletes reconnect with calm, practice mindfulness, and access confidential support. These areas, praised during the previous edition, will include private modules for athletes to speak with IOC Safeguarding Officers—professionals trained in emotional support and well-being. Complementing these spaces is the Mentally Fit Helpline, available 24/7 in over 70 languages, offering professional assistance not only in times of crisis but also for the everyday stress of elite sport.

Beyond the Games: a lasting vision of well-being

The IOC’s commitment does not end with the Closing Ceremony. In 2023, the organization launched its Mental Health Action Plan, a roadmap aimed at consolidating well-being policies throughout the Olympic Movement. This plan includes the Mental Health Guidelines for Major Sporting Events, providing organizers with direction on how to safeguard participants’ mental health before, during, and after competition.

In addition, the Athlete365 platform expands this support through the Mentally Fit program, an online course offering tools to strengthen resilience and manage the pressures of high performance. Through its digital hub #MentallyFit, athletes can access resources, advice, and testimonials to help them maintain balance between sporting performance and emotional health. Through these actions, the IOC reaffirms that excellence is measured not only by results but also by the ability to care for those who embody the Olympic spirit.