More than sport: Curlers reflect on mental health, balance, and support

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a global campaign promoting empathy, understanding, and collective action. Beyond intense competitions and long seasons, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.

Finding strength through conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, collaborating with a sports psychologist is crucial for preserving his mental well-being. He said,

“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it. It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”

Gallant also credits his wife and fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman for helping him maintain balance. He explained,

“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”

About his team, he added,

“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”

Challenges after the Olympics

Following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced one of the hardest moments in her career, narrowly missing a medal in mixed doubles by millimetres.

Author’s summary: Curlers emphasize mental health support as vital for coping with high-pressure sports, highlighting the power of open dialogue and personal connections.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04