With the Olympics around the corner, we sat down with a former Division 1 track & field collegiate athlete who once believed that nothing mattered more than making it to the Olympic stage.

Olivia Arizin was a star from the beginning. As a sophomore in high school, she ran the 5th best time in the nation in the 800 meter race. She was a 2-time state champion in Pennsylvania and earned All-Big East honors at Georgetown, culminating with winning the Big East Indoor Track & Field Championships.

However, behind the accolades and success, Olivia battled severe anxiety centered around her athletic performance. Since the 6th grade, Olivia would regularly throw up before track meets due to anxiety and the pressure to win. It wasn't until she reached college that she realized this wasn't normal and sought help. 

Olivia is not alone. Young athletes, particularly in college, endure immense stress and pressure to maintain their athletic success. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The abnormal level of stress and pressure high-achieving youth athletes face. Is it healthy? Sustainable?

  
  



• The lack of resources and support to address and treat mental health issues across collegiate athletics.

  
  



• What should the role of coaches, teams, and universities be in helping college athletes navigate the stressors of athletic competition?

  
  



• Olivia’s experience transitioning from “athlete” to “civilian” at this critical jumping off point into early adulthood. 

  
  



• Should universities and their athletic teams do more to help young athletes transition away from the sport that has defined their young lives?

  
  

The significant mental health challenges tied to athletic performance among youth are not just an issue for the struggling athlete but also for a system that has become a commercialized business exploiting young athletes' talents. 

Olivia’s journey to reclaiming her identity beyond being an athlete is a powerful reminder that youth sports are meant for children who, first and foremost, simply love to play a game.

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