Advil. A name every athlete is familiar with. It’s the first response to a sore muscle and the go-to fix after a tough meet. But its presence also marks the beginning of a deeper issue that lies within competitive sports – the normalization of medicating pain, even when the pain is more than physical.

As a high school track and field athlete, I’ve watched my teammates deal with injuries like shin splints, tendon strains, and hamstring pulls, often continuing to train through them. Behind the scenes, pain management becomes a silent routine: over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, muscle rubs, taped joints. And when that’s not enough, some athletes receive prescriptions for something stronger. Not to escape the pain, but to function and perform.

Opioid misuse among athletes, especially those recovering from injury, has emerged as a national concern. A study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that 26.5% of collegiate athletes had received an opioid prescription following an orthopedic injury or surgery, along with a small subset using opioids for non-pain relieving purposes.

What makes opioids especially dangerous in athletic environments is not just their addictive potential; it’s the culture surrounding them. Athletes are taught to always “push through.” Recovery is treated as a delay to success, not a necessity. And vulnerability, especially among male athletes, is often condemned. Within this culture, asking for help or admitting something’s wrong becomes 10 times more difficult.

While national conversations about addiction often focus on unlawful substances or post-career collapse, the path to opioid dependency in sports begins earlier. For many, it starts with a legal prescription issued after an injury. A JAMA Network Open study from 2020 confirmed that young athletes, particularly those in high-intensity sports, face an elevated risk of extreme opioid use compared to non-athlete peers.

What separates sports-related opioid addiction from other contexts is that athletes often aren’t seeking a frenzy, but instead they’re seeking a return to ordinary. Opioids for athletes serve as a way to meet expectations. When recovery time is seen as lost time, performance becomes the priority over long-term health.

Professional sports provide some of the most visible cautionary tales. In the National Football League, the issue is so widespread that a class-action lawsuit was filed against the league by former players claiming that teams recklessly distributed opioids and other painkillers to keep them playing. In Olympic history, several elite athletes have revealed post-retirement battles with substance dependence all stemming not from recklessness, but from repeated injuries and a system that emphasized resilience over recovery.

In track and field specifically, the pressure to maintain peak performance over narrow competition windows creates a cycle of overtraining, underreporting pain, and constant reliance on medication. As the Olympics approach every four years, the spotlight grows more intense. Even among youth athletes, the drive to qualify for state and national competitions or college recruitment can lead to several shortcuts being taken and, in extreme cases, substance use.

Addiction isn’t a personal failure but, in the bigger picture, it’s a systemic blind spot. It grows from environments that prioritize output over well-being. Until sports organizations, schools, and coaches build stronger frameworks around injury care, mental health, and education, this pattern will only continue.

The stigma surrounding athlete weakness must be broken down. Opioids don’t appear out of nowhere, rather they fill gaps left by pressure and insufficient support.

I’ll always love the thrill of track from the adrenaline to the discipline and competition. But no race is worth losing oneself. In a network built on pushing limits, real change begins by recognizing where we’ve pushed too far.

This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.

Spencer Stastney, a defenseman for the Nashville Predators, contemplated retirement before the 2024-25 season due to significant mental health struggles. His challenges peaked after the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, compelling him to consider leaving the sport at just 24. Despite a promising start to his career with notable performances in both the AHL and NHL, feelings of anxiety led Stastney to seek help through the NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program. After a hiatus from training camp, he returned to the ice in December, performing well enough to earn an NHL call-up. Stastney aims to continue his career with the Predators as he navigates his relationship with the sport.

By the Numbers

• After a productive rookie AHL season (19 points in 72 games), he logged 20 points in 44 AHL games in 2023-24.
• During the 2024-25 season, Stastney recorded 3 points in 23 NHL games and 17 points in 26 AHL games.

State of Play

• Stastney began the 2024-25 season in training camp but missed it due to mental health concerns.
• He’s regained his position with a top-pair role in Milwaukee, demonstrating potential for a stable NHL presence.

What’s Next

Stastney will focus on re-establishing his career with the Predators, aiming for a full-time NHL position as he continues to tackle mental health issues. His performance will be closely monitored as he aims to solidify his role within the organization.

Bottom Line

Stastney’s journey highlights the importance of mental health awareness in sports. His openness to discuss and seek help showcases resilience and may foster a culture of support among athletes facing similar challenges.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix will not compete at this month’s World Aquatics Championships due to “mental blocks”.

The 20-year-old diver claimed Olympic bronze with Lois Toulson in the women’s synchronised 10m platform at Paris 2024 and opened up about her mental health struggles after competing in the individual event.

On Wednesday Spendolini-Sirieix revealed she would not be taking part in the World Championships, saying she feels “it would be best” to take a break from the sport.

She said in a post on Instagram: “Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the World Championships this year in Singapore. I’ve had a tough battle with mental blocks in diving this season, and I’ve tried to fight through them, but I’ve decided it would be best for me to take a break from the pool.

“I am getting all the help I need from my family, my coach and my support team at Aquatics GB and I am so thankful for their love and support.

“As an athlete, the words ‘rest’ and ‘break’ are foreign, but I know that this period will greatly help me in the long run.

“I am sad to not be joining my team and international friends out in Singapore, but I know they will do amazingly and I can’t wait to see them shine.”

PA

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AFC players are making headlines with their evolving situations. Charvarius Ward of the Colts reflects on his mental health journey following personal loss, sharing renewed optimism after leaving the 49ers. Meanwhile, Texans tight end Brevin Jordan is ready to bounce back from a torn ACL, while Titans rookie QB Cam Ward acknowledges the team’s need for improvement and accountability. Collectively, these narratives illustrate resilience and the ongoing adjustments as teams prepare for the season ahead.

By the Numbers

• Charvarius Ward missed three games last season following the death of his daughter.
• Brevin Jordan is looking to rebound after missing most of the previous season due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 2.

State of Play

• Colts’ Charvarius Ward shows improved mental health and emotional well-being in a new environment.
• Texans’ Brevin Jordan is considered an “ascending young player” by head coach DeMeco Ryans, with heightened expectations for the upcoming season.
• Titans’ Cam Ward admits his offense needs work, describing their current performance as “very mid.”

What’s Next

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these players integrate into their teams. Ward’s positive changes in mental health could set the tone for a successful Colts season, while Jordan’s return may bolster the Texans’ offense. Titans’ rookie Ward’s commitment to improvement suggests he will work to elevate the team’s performance.

Bottom Line

The resilience shown by these AFC players amidst personal and team challenges underscores the importance of mental health and adaptation in professional sports. As they move forward, their experiences highlight how personal growth can impact team dynamics and performance.

Kyrie Irving, standout guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has opened up about experiencing bullying in his childhood, which became a driving force behind his basketball journey. During a livestream with Kai Cenat, Irving candidly shared that being perceived as smart and sensitive made him a target, but he channeled that adversity into motivation for his NBA career. Despite this challenging background, he has risen to elite status in the league, demonstrating remarkable skills and leadership. Recently, Irving has also been active in online discussions, reflecting on his journey and future ventures, including a possible coaching role.

By the Numbers

• Kyrie Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 50 games in the 2024-25 NBA season.
• His season ended early on March 3 due to a torn ACL, raising concerns for the 2025-26 season.

Yes, But

While Irving’s bullying experience contributed to his resilience, it also highlights ongoing issues of childhood bullying and mental health in sports, stirring debate about the pressure athletes face both on and off the court.

State of Play

• Irving has increased his presence on livestreams, engaging with fans and discussing various topics, including potential opportunities at Streamer University.
• He recently paid tribute to fellow players, reflecting on generational greatness in basketball.

What’s Next

As Irving navigates his recovery from injury, he may also explore a coaching future, which could reshape his career beyond playing. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he impacts both the Mavericks and any potential new ventures.

Bottom Line

Irving’s journey underscores the idea that personal hardships can motivate success, but they also raise important conversations about youth bullying and the mental health challenges athletes face. His future, both on and off the court, is poised for scrutiny and potential innovation.