On the 22nd of June 2018, Imogen Evans took her own life after a long battle with Bulimia and related stress.
Imogen had enjoyed a promising early career with Welsh Rowing, training three times a day she soon found herself at the top of her sport. Outside of Rowing, her partner described her as a “beautiful, intelligent, successful young lady”.
Reports remain mixed, however, it has become clear that Imogen left rowing after struggling to “keep her weight down”. Despite being an accomplished athlete, Imogen mistakenly felt she had to keep her weight down to be the best she could be, at a tragic cost.
“enviable determination, resilience, positivity and [an] infectious laugh stood her apart from the rest”
Welsh Rowing
Imogen, is not alone in feeling the pressures of rowing in a world where data-driven decisions can determine the future of an athlete; no matter how hard they train.
In recent years there has been a marked spike in the number of people feeling the pressures of rowing clashing with academic factors that lead them to exit the sport unhappy, or take more drastic action to relieve the pain they feel.
Today is world mental health day, as recognised by the World Health Organisation; but here at Junior Rowing News, we believe in a different mantra, where every day is mental health day.
Mental health inhabits every corner of our lives and the lives of those we love, but the stickier topics can often be pushed aside in favour of lighter and easier conversation; but in a high-pressure rowing world, we all need to let off steam.
What can I do?
In recent years several Campaigns (linked below) have been set up to help those who need support with mental wellbeing; but perhaps the aid that is most often overlooked, is simply being a mate.
Whether it be sharing a joke, catching up over coffee, or just dropping a text to a friend you’ve lost touch with, the biggest gifts can come in the smallest and simplest packages.
It has also been shown that exercise and teamwork can improve an individual’s mental health beyond any prior expectations; for more information on how rowing can help you and your mates, check back for this weeks #FridayThoughts where we examine the evidence supporting exercise and rowing for better mental health.
Until then, drop that mate a message, give that girl from your dorm a wave on Facebook, or say ‘hey’ to that new guy at the boathouse. Mental Health is just as important as physical wellbeing; so let’s all be the club’s mental health physio and help those around us who are struggling.
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
If you or someone you know needs help with mental wellbeing, consider contacting these agencies for free, confidential advice:
If you believe someone is going through a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, do not hesitate to contact the emergency services.
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