Athletes now must deal with ‘Olympic comedown’

Having sacrificed so much in the build-up to the Games, many athletes find it difficult to get back to normality afterward. However, there are ways to cope, writes Helen Owton

For athletes returning home from the Olympics, their journey is usually accompanied by a radical change in environment and considerable physical and mental shifts, writes Helen Owton. Picture: Antonin Thuillier/AFP

Imagine hearing a crowd of roaring fans every time you make an appearance. Thousands of camera flashes follow your every move.

Each moment of your life is taken up with preparation for your big moment: Training, performing, media interviews, and photoshoots.