Miguel Alvariño Withdraws from 2024 National Team Qualifiers: A Message of Prioritizing Mental Health

Full press release from Miguel Alvariño

As some of you may have seen, I withdrew from the qualifiers to form the 2024 national team yesterday morning.

Although I have been fighting against myself and my negative thoughts for several months – since September when the criteria were published – to draw strength from all places to face the challenge, this weekend I realized that I need to preserve my mental health in the face of the psychological exhaustion that I have been accumulating for a few years. This weekend I felt like the glass was about to overflow, and I owe it to myself to prioritize my health.

People who love me advise me to stop, take distance and reflect on my future. As a person first, then as an athlete. I think I have to listen to them this time more than ever.

Abandonment has never been in my dictionary. I showed up to “die with my boots on”, but I have realized that I am more human than I thought myself; 10 consecutive years on the national team. Year after year fighting against all odds, always subject to judgment and pressure…they take their toll. And, although I have tried to cover it up for some time now, I have to admit that I don’t feel well.

I want to think that this is not a “goodbye”, and it is only a “see you later”. But time will tell what the right decision is, and where I should go.

I would like to thank you all: friends, colleagues, sponsors and everyone who has collaborated and contributed to the successes of these years. Also to those who don’t, because they have made me stronger and, above all, a better person.

Not everyone can boast 26 international medals. I feel honored and proud of the path we have traveled.

Now I must ask you to allow me to disconnect for a while. Step away, gain perspective and see which path I should follow.

This week I have had a clash of two great pieces of advice and mottos that I have always applied to my life; “effort is not negotiable”, and “health comes first”…. This time the second one won.

A big hug to everyone”

2024-03-03 11:48:00
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