Winning Streaks, publishers of ‘Touching Greatness, Forever Together: The Villanova Track Story (1966-1981)’, is now extending its support to combat an often overlooked issue of mental health faced by athletes.
Recognizing the prevalence of mental health challenges among runners, Winning Streak is now advocating for greater attention and open conversation toward what it termed “the invisible opponent.”
More details can be found at https://www.winning-streaks.com/
This move comes in the wake of data from the American College of Sports Medicine that suggests a staggering 35% of elite athletes struggle with mental health issues, from burnout and depression to anxiety and eating disorders. Since these issues often go unnoticed, Winning Streaks says it is taking steps to bring them into the spotlight and foster much-needed conversations.
Integral to the organization’s commitment is its decision to channel all proceeds from the sales of Jerry Bouma’s book, “Touching Greatness, Forever Together,” towards initiatives that support student-athlete mental wellness at Villanova University.
The book recounts the unparalleled journey of the Villanova track team from 1966 to 1981. Bouma presents a first-hand account of the team’s winning streak, outperforming all major American colleges for 16 years in a row in the distance medley relay.
In the book, readers will learn about the unrelenting determination, discipline, and resilience that saw the team dominate the track event for over a decade and a half. “The Villanova Track Story is more than a chronicle of physical endurance and victories; it is a reminder of the level of mental resilience required in sports,” a spokesperson says.
Winning Streaks emphasizes that many of the insights and understandings of the mental health challenges plaguing today’s university athletes are influenced by the personal experiences of runners in Bouma’s book.
The organization enjoins everyone to support them in their effort to shine a light on these hidden mental challenges athletes face. By purchasing Bouma’s book, readers will gain insights into the unique journey of the Villanova track team while contributing to programs dedicated to enhancing athletes’ mental health.
The spokesperson adds: “100% of the book’s sales proceeds support mental wellness programs for current Villanova track and field athletes, helping them find a balance between their academic and athletic responsibilities.”
Interested parties can visit https://www.winning-streaks.com/ to find more information or support this mental awareness initiative.