The High Performance Podcast Mark Cavendish: Navigating slippery descents and climbing personal mountains (E82)
Sep 27, 2021
Mark Cavendish, known as the 'Manx Missile,' is one of cycling's greatest sprinters, renowned for his remarkable comeback from injuries and depression. He shares his journey of overcoming challenges, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in high performance. The conversation touches on his experiences with mental health and the vital support from teammates and community. Mark also reflects on the drive for excellence, personal growth, and how parental experiences impact an athlete's outlook. It's an insightful dive into the mind of a champion.
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Empathy Through Depression
- Cavendish's depression broadened his perspective beyond the self-absorbed world of professional sports.
- It fostered empathy and understanding for others' struggles, a perspective he lacked before.
Diagnosis and Lack of Support
- Cavendish was diagnosed with clinical depression and Epstein-Barr virus after a demanding year of cycling.
- He felt unsupported by his team, who pressured him despite his health issues.
Depression: Beyond Sadness
- Cavendish describes depression not as sadness, but an absence of feeling or erratic emotions.
- He emphasizes the importance of a diagnosis and being open about it.
