The Deaflympics Receives Sport and Performance Psychology Support

The Deaflympics will celebrate its 100th birthday this year. It is the second-oldest international sports competition in the world, second only to the Olympics.

Sport and performance psychology have played a major role for Olympic athletes for many years. Approximately 350 U.S. athletes participating in the Deaflympics this year will, for the first time, receive these same consultations.

Athletes who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) often encounter barriers that their hearing colleagues do not, most notably communication and a lack of financial support. For the first time, psychologists and mental performance consultants will be available to address the mental health, training, and communications needs of DHH athletes. They will be able to facilitate communication, adapt interventions, and assist in their self-advocacy.

This support demonstrates a much-needed shift in sport and performance psychology and equitable support for DHH athletes.

Reference

Andoh, E. (2025, November 1). Psychologists help prepare team USA for the Deaflympics. Monitor on Psychology.