Paraguay stands out in the Paralympic Games with psychological support for its athletes.

The start of the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris has sparked renewed interest in the well-being of athletes competing in these prestigious disciplines. The participation of 13 Peruvian athletes in various categories such as para-taekwondo, para-shooting, and para-swimming, among others, not only highlights the talent and perseverance of those facing physical challenges but also brings to light the importance of psychological support in high-performance sports. For the first time, the Peruvian delegation has the support of a sports psychologist, Jorge Moreno Peña, who joined the team with the goal of offering comprehensive care to the athletes. This holistic approach includes the emotional and mental development of the athletes, recognizing that success in competitions is based not only on physical training but also on mental strength. According to Luisa Villar Gálvez, head of the Peruvian team, this innovation is a crucial step towards the well-being of not only the athletes but also coaches and other team members. The mental health of para-athletes is an aspect that, until recently, had not received the attention it deserves. Jorge Moreno emphasizes that the psychological challenges faced by these athletes are similar to those of their able-bodied counterparts, such as managing anxiety and stress before and during competitions. Therefore, it is essential that psychological support is an integral part of their preparation, just as nutrition and physical recovery are. Psychological intervention is not limited to improving sports performance but also focuses on providing a space for listening and emotional support. This is vital, as many athletes must balance the demands of sports with their personal lives, which often includes studies and external pressures. Athletes like swimmer Dunia Felices have expressed how this support helps them stay focused and manage their emotions in high-pressure situations. The relationship between coach and athlete plays a fundamental role in emotional well-being. Coaches, being the closest observers, can identify changes in behavior that indicate mental health issues. For this reason, Moreno also works with coaches to provide them with tools and techniques that enable them to support their athletes. This teamwork aims to create an environment where communication is effective and pressure management is a shared responsibility. Moreover, psychological support must be personalized and adapted to the specific needs of each athlete. This includes the use of accessible technologies and the adaptation of training methods that take individual capabilities into account. The idea is to equip each athlete with the necessary resources to face their own reality and maximize their performance. The specific challenges that Paralympic athletes will face, from adapting to new conditions after a disability to managing body image, require an approach that encompasses both physical and emotional aspects. Thus, psychological support becomes an essential tool for the comprehensive development of the athlete, allowing them to confront adverse situations with confidence and resilience. The mental preparation of athletes should include components such as acceptance of mistakes and management of expectations. At times, the magnitude of an event like the Paralympic Games can generate anxiety and pressure, requiring athletes to learn how to manage their emotions and maintain focus on their performance. Psychological preparation should be a continuous process that allows them to face setbacks and adapt to unexpected situations. Finally, Moreno's work and that of his team go beyond mere attention to the mental health of athletes. It is a comprehensive approach that involves the entire support structure around the athlete, including guides and family members. The mental health of a Paralympic athlete is a topic that involves everyone, and their success depends on an ecosystem of emotional and psychological support that allows them to reach their maximum potential on the world stage. The Paralympic Games, therefore, are not only a platform to showcase the talent and determination of athletes but also a reflection of the shift towards a deeper understanding of the importance of mental well-being in sports. The inclusion of mental health professionals in sports delegations is a step towards recognizing that, on the road to success, the mind and body must work in perfect harmony.