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

More Than Sport: Curlers Reflect on Mental Health, Balance, and Support

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a global initiative promoting empathy, understanding, and collective action. Behind the intense competitions, lengthy seasons, and national expectations, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.

Finding Strength Through Conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, collaborating with a sports psychologist is vital for maintaining his mental well-being.

“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, fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman, for helping him stay grounded.

“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 noted,

“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.”

Facing Challenges After the Olympics

After the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced one of the toughest moments in her career, missing out on medals by mere millimetres during a mixed doubles loss.

Her journey highlights the mental demands athletes endure beyond physical performance.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04