KUALA LUMPUR – Professional athletes navigate a demanding path, facing physical and mental challenges often unseen by the public. Intense training and work commitments leave little room for rest, with many athletes managing long commutes and grueling schedules daily.
The mental burden is substantial, as constant public scrutiny and criticism impact an athlete’s well-being.
Resilience, prioritising rest and maintaining a positive outlook are essential for managing the pressures of competitive sports.
For world no 1 lawn bowler Nor Farah Ain Abdullah, achieving world-class performance is far from easy. Her experiences revealed the physical and mental strain athletes endure and the need for resilience in the face of criticism and exhaustion.
"Playing sports is difficult and the challenges are equally tough. People fail to understand the pressures athletes face.
"Even a former world number one can drop to number five. It's not their fault; it's simply the nature of competition.
"Everyone has their own timeline. They might rise later, peak briefly, or experience a resurgence after a decline. Who knows what the future holds," she said in the Sinar Daily's Sports Matters Podcast, which aired yesterday.
Farah stated that mental health is a prevalent issue among athletes, yet it remains largely misunderstood.
She pointed to the courage of athletes who compete in high-pressure environments, often with limited support.
"For example, badminton players often compete alone. It's remarkable how they manage without their coaches," she said.
She acknowledged that constant online criticism amplifies the mental strain.
"People criticise frequently. My advice is to avoid reading negative comments, as they damage an athlete's mental health. I don't let negative comments affect me.
"I view them as a reminder for critics to try walking in my shoes. That response tends to silence them," she added.
Farah also detailed the demanding physical aspects of her sport, compounded by her external responsibilities. Unlike athletes in the Podium Programme, her training intensified significantly before competitions.
"A week before a game, we train intensely. I have limited time off from work, so I commute daily," she said.
Her routine is exhausting: waking at 5am, working, travelling to Kuala Lumpur for training and returning home around 7pm.
"Despite this, I want to perform at a world-class level. That's when I recognised the necessity of rest," she said.
Through her experiences, Farah urged the public to consider the human aspect of athletes.
"This is a serious issue that affects your mindset. People don't understand the athlete's perspective," she said.