World Mental Health Day - Thabelo Masutha, RSA

South African sculler Thabelo Masutha spoke out about his struggles with his mental health on social media last year. We spoke with him at the 2022 World Rowing Championships to hear his story, and why it was important for him to speak out on this subject.

On the outside, rowing seems to be a predominantly physical sport. But there is so much going on beneath the surface, the mental side of the sport. The hours of training, pushing through the pain of racing, the preparation before you face your competitors. You know it all well, and you know this sport is just as mental as it is physical. The same goes for your health: While it might not be as visible as physical health, mental health is just as important, and plays just as big a role.

Today, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day. A day to bring awareness to the subject, and help reduce the stigma around it.

If you or anyone you know might be struggling with your mental health, talk to someone you trust about it, and decide together what your next step should be. You don’t have to face this alone.