To start off, I’m writing this not just for an English project that got me thinking. I’m writing this for people to look at us and somewhat understand why we do what we do. I’m writing this to underline the mental health issues that run rampant through young elite athletes and how overlooked they are. The kids at school don’t understand why we kill ourselves day in and day out. The teachers think it’s cool were traveling over the country to race but they don’t understand why we have to go. The parents who pay and support us don’t understand why I’ve argued with them over and over about riding outside (not because it’s a ‘good workout’ but the need to feel the wind in my face). For the coaches to better understand their athletes and help them through each trouble they face, physically and mentally. For the people up-top who run the show and make it possible for us to race over the country, so they better understand how the can support us and prepare us for those who dream of racing ITU. For OURSELVES so we know we are not alone. All over the country we stand up with each other, go to race each other, to push each other, and create friendships that will last throughout our lives. So we know we are not alone in the struggles we face, mentally and physically. So we can look at each other and know, we are all in this together, even if we are trying to crush each other on the race course.

This, whatever, is for people to understand us more and to raise awareness for the mental health issues faced by young elite athletes and how we can help the athletes. This will outline my experiences as a young elite athlete and the mental and physical issues I’ve faced throughout the years of being an athlete. The blood, the tears, the sweat, and the sacrifices I’ve put into this. This started as a simple English project but I want it to end as so much more.