Struggling Olympian opens up about battling depression, seeks assistance
German Race Walker Jonathan Hilbert Returns to the Big Stage After Overcoming Post-Olympic Depression
Jonathan Hilbert, the German race walker who won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, has publicly shared his battle with depression following his Olympic success. After a year of seeking professional help and overcoming these mental health struggles, Hilbert is now back in top form and preparing for upcoming major competitions, including the World Championships and the 2028 Olympics.
Hilbert's current training regime shows his dedication to regaining his athletic prowess. Recent videos depict him racewalking at competitive paces, around 3:45 per kilometre, alongside running friends. This strong training pace and positive engagement with his sport suggest that Hilbert is focused on his future goals.
The Olympics in Los Angeles are on the horizon for Hilbert. The World Championships, where he plans to make his comeback on the big stage, will take place in Tokyo in September. Hilbert's ambition is clear: he aims to compete in the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Despite the challenges he faced, Hilbert has maintained a positive outlook. He admitted that seeking professional help was crucial for him and has expressed his gratitude for the support he received. His mental health issues, which included feelings of inadequacy and inferiority after his Olympic success, are now a thing of the past.
Hilbert's move to Leipzig with his girlfriend and a change of trainers have also contributed to his recovery and preparations for the upcoming competitions. The specific reason for the removal of the 50km walk event from the Olympic program is not provided, but this change may have added to Hilbert's struggles as he had to adapt to the new 35km distance in the Olympic walk events.
In conclusion, Jonathan Hilbert's story is one of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges he faced after his Olympic success, he has overcome his mental health struggles and is now preparing for a strong comeback on the international stage. The world of athletics can look forward to seeing him compete at the World Championships in September and beyond, with his sights set on the 2028 Olympics.
Science has played a crucial role in helping Jonathan Hilbert navigate his post-Olympic depression, providing him with the knowledge and tools to seek professional help. His focus on health-and-wellness, including mental health, is evident in his determination to return to competitive athletics.
