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

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a global effort that promotes empathy, understanding, and collective action. Behind intense competitions, long seasons, and national pressure, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.

Finding strength through conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, working with a sports psychologist is vital for maintaining his mental health. He explained,

“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 keep balanced. He said,

“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.”

Regarding 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

After the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced one of the most difficult moments in her career. She missed medal contention by mere millimeters in a mixed doubles match, marking a tough chapter in her journey.

Author’s summary: Curlers emphasize the importance of mental health support and open conversations to handle the pressures of competition and maintain personal balance.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04