About Carl Langan Evans
Carl Langan-Evans is no stranger to combat sports, having won a gold medal at the Junior Olympics while serving as a Sports Scholar at LJMU from 2004 to 2008. Inspired by the support he received during his athletic journey, Carl transitioned into the world of sports science, completing a Master’s degree and later a PhD in applied sport physiology and nutrition examining and intervening in making weight strategies for combat sport athletes.
Carl’s expertise spans multiple domains—he is an accredited strength & conditioning coach with the UKSCA, a registered practitioner with the Sport & Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR), and a qualified sports therapist. His experience includes working with the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and consulting with numerous professional and Olympic-level combat athletes.
The High Cost of Winning
As an athlete, coach, and academic, Carl has witnessed firsthand the growing conversation around mental health in the sporting world. Yet, despite this increased attention, he believes mental health support remains insufficient, and combat sports are particularly challenging. In combat sports, where weight-making can lead to significant physical and mental strain, the emphasis on masculinity and the “man up” mentality can also make it more difficult for athletes to speak up about their struggles.
Athletes who suffer from injuries – whether career-ending or not – often receive physical treatment, but little attention is paid to the mental toll they take. Athletes approaching retirement face similar challenges, as the loss of identity and purpose can lead to isolation and depression, with many lacking the necessary support.
The focus on winning at all costs frequently overshadows the individual athlete’s well-being. Even athletes who have enjoyed significant career success can struggle with mental health issues, when the emphasis is constantly on “what’s next,” instead of celebrating achievements. At some point, what next becomes retirement. Retirement can be like a nasty divorce or a death in the family – you are no longer connected, but you are not ready to let go. There is no preparation for this feeling of loss nor the sudden change in identity.
This scenario is even more dire for those who are less successful in their athletic pursuit. Most athletes are driven by high standards that are difficult to meet, which can make it hard for them to work with others who are not similarly driven. This can lead to feelings of frustration, particularly for those who have transitioned out of sport, where more support and training are needed to manage the transitions successfully.
The Need For Change
Social media, press coverage, and injuries can all contribute to mental health issues among athletes, Carl emphasised the need for an exit strategy and support for athletes who retire or are forced to leave the sport early. There is also a need for more emphasis on training for health rather than just for performance. “It is important to remember that an athlete’s mental state plays a significant role in their overall function and that individualised support and solutions are essential for success,” Carl said.
Carl recognises that governing bodies are providing guidance, but there is still a long way to go in terms of asking for and delivering support. There is a need for more person-centred support that is tailored to each individual’s needs.
It is clear that there is a significant unmet need for improved mental health support in elite sports, Carl concluded. Solutions must be individualised and prioritise mental health. By focusing on training for health rather than just performance, we can help ensure that athletes are able to succeed both on and off the field. It is time to move beyond superficial acknowledgement of mental health in sports and prioritise the well-being of our athletes.