Mental health risks for athletes, experts warn

Fear, stress and money worries: coronavirus lockdown is hard for anyone, but athletes are facing extra mental health risks as they go from highly active lifestyles to isolation and boredom, experts warn.

While some housebound athletes have posted upbeat videos of themselves, the stress caused by the extreme adjustment and uncertain future looks likely to take its toll.

Long-term effects on athletes after the SARS and swine flu outbreaks included anxiety, obsessive hand-washing and fear of getting close to people, Carolyn Broderick, Tennis Australia's chief medical officer, told AFP. But the impact of the current pandemic is unprecedented, with athletes sidelined worldwide.

Those affected range from well-paid superstars such as tennis's Serena Williams to journeyman pros and Olympic hopefuls whose lives have been thrown into turmoil.

Williams admitted that social distancing because of coronavirus had left her feeling "a ton of stress".

"Every little thing makes me crazy. And by anxiety I mean I'm just on edge. Any time anyone sneezes around me or coughs I get crazy," she said on TikTok.

Concerns have been raised about Australia's swimmers and cricketers, after athletes in both sports suffered well-documented psychological problems in the past.

"The mental health thing, we talked about it in a conference call this week," said Australian men's cricket coach Justin Langer. "Particularly for any of our staff or players who are home alone basically. We have to keep an eye on those guys and girls to make sure they're OK."