The Hidden Struggle: Men’s Mental Health in Endurance Sports

For many male athletes, success is measured by results, podium finishes, and contract renewals. The hidden struggle that lies beneath the surface often goes unspoken, masked by the next training session or race. Brad Huff, a former professional cyclist with a 13-year career, is changing that narrative. By sharing his journey with mental health in endurance sports he is breaking the silence.

The Mask of Athletic Achievement

“Athletics was the only thing that validated performance or achievement, but yet forgetting the man that was in, his struggles, what he was hiding behind with these accolades,” Huff reflects. Throughout his professional career, Huff wore his emotions on his sleeve but the struggle was still hidden. He never directly addressed his underlying mental health struggles. “I didn’t even realize that I was using sport as my escape, as my vice to handle all these issues that unknowingly have been with me since I was a kid.”

The Price of Professional Athletics

In professional cycling, athletes often face the pressure of single-year contracts. This scenario creates an environment where they must constantly prove their worth. “I was never truly invested in. I always had to prove myself,” Huff shares. “That’s a way to kind of keep their thumb on a person and devalue their worth. You’re only as valuable as your last result. This says to a person that you’re just a piece of meat.”

The Retirement Reality Check

Retiring in January 2019, Huff faced what he describes as a “brick to the face” moment. His primary coping mechanism – competitive cycling – was no longer available. “Your vice is no longer allowed because it’s not your work. And so you need to find other ways to find an outlet,” he explains. This transition led him to explore personal development through therapy and twelve-step programs. These actions have helped him understand the person behind the athlete, break the silence and reveal the hidden struggle.

Breaking Down the Performance Mindset

The culture of endurance sports often promotes a “more is better” mentality, fueled by social media and training apps. Huff challenges this perspective: “External versus internal validation – if we’re continually seeking external validation, which is what this world and society has pushed us towards, the only reason we post on social media is to get this ‘Oh, look, you’re doing great.'”

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Finding Balance in the Journey

“The essence of the mountain is not in the summit,” Huff shares, emphasizing that the finish line doesn’t validate the effort put in over years of training. He advocates for a more balanced approach to training and life. He encourages athletes to find joy in the process rather than just the results.

A Message to Male Athletes

Huff’s message to other male athletes is clear: it’s okay to speak up and seek help. Break the silence and reveal the struggles. Don’t keep them hidden. “We want to help men be whole,” he says of his work with men’s mental health groups. “I don’t want to see athletes struggle and stumble as I did. By speaking up, I can condense five years of learning into five months. That is going to help propel them to the next level.”

Moving Forward

Today, Huff continues to process his journey and share his experiences. “It took me a long time to realize I struggled. It took me a long time to realize sport was my escape,” he admits. His vulnerability in sharing these, at the time, hidden struggles serves as a beacon for other athletes facing similar challenges.

The message is clear: success in endurance sports isn’t just about physical preparation. Success  is about maintaining mental health and finding balance. As Huff puts it, “If we’re more whole, then we’re more capable on the bike, off the bike, in our running shoes. Doesn’t matter what the endeavor is.”

For male athletes struggling with mental health, Huff’s journey shows that speaking up isn’t a sign of weakness. Speaking up and breaking the silence is a step toward becoming a stronger, more complete athlete and person.

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