Cyclist Kenneth Tencio Opens Up About Struggles with Depression in Olympic Qualification Pursuit
The Costa Rican athlete reflects on his mental health challenges while training for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kenneth Tencio, a prominent Costa Rican cyclist, has publicly shared his experiences with severe depression during his preparation for the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
In an interview with the media outlet Delfino.cr, Tencio, who is affectionately known as 'Pollis,' described a profound loss of purpose in his life during this challenging period.
The 31-year-old athlete revealed that he reached a point where he contemplated ending his life.
He stated, 'I fell into severe depression, and at one point, I even thought about dying.
Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.' Tencio acknowledged the perplexing nature of his feelings, particularly given his accomplishments in cycling, noting, 'People wonder how someone who seemingly has everything can reach such a low point.'
Tencio emphasized the importance of support from those around him in overcoming this difficult time.
He expressed gratitude for individuals who listened to him, as he had previously been reluctant to share his feelings.
'I have always been someone who keeps everything to myself,' he noted.
During his pursuit of Olympic qualification, Tencio conducted motivational talks.
However, he found himself struggling to connect with his audience, reflecting on the incongruence between his public persona and private struggles.
'I tried to project that everything is fine; I visualized myself feeling better, but deep down, I was wearing a superhero suit while my heart was broken,' he said.
Despite not qualifying for the Paris Games, Tencio found solace in his interactions with children during these talks.
He offered free sessions, stating, 'I wasn't doing it for money; it was about remembering why I started and why I do what I do.' Through these engagements, he gained a renewed sense of perspective, acknowledging the pressure faced by his fellow athletes during competitions.
In a later reflection, Tencio recognized the emotional toll of not qualifying, stating, 'I had the opportunity to narrate how my friends were competing in the Olympics.
I felt the weight of the pressure from an entire country on their shoulders and realized I am grateful not to be in that position right now.'
Tencio's candid revelations shed light on the mental health challenges athletes may face and underscore the significance of support systems in navigating such profound struggles.
In an interview with the media outlet Delfino.cr, Tencio, who is affectionately known as 'Pollis,' described a profound loss of purpose in his life during this challenging period.
The 31-year-old athlete revealed that he reached a point where he contemplated ending his life.
He stated, 'I fell into severe depression, and at one point, I even thought about dying.
Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.' Tencio acknowledged the perplexing nature of his feelings, particularly given his accomplishments in cycling, noting, 'People wonder how someone who seemingly has everything can reach such a low point.'
Tencio emphasized the importance of support from those around him in overcoming this difficult time.
He expressed gratitude for individuals who listened to him, as he had previously been reluctant to share his feelings.
'I have always been someone who keeps everything to myself,' he noted.
During his pursuit of Olympic qualification, Tencio conducted motivational talks.
However, he found himself struggling to connect with his audience, reflecting on the incongruence between his public persona and private struggles.
'I tried to project that everything is fine; I visualized myself feeling better, but deep down, I was wearing a superhero suit while my heart was broken,' he said.
Despite not qualifying for the Paris Games, Tencio found solace in his interactions with children during these talks.
He offered free sessions, stating, 'I wasn't doing it for money; it was about remembering why I started and why I do what I do.' Through these engagements, he gained a renewed sense of perspective, acknowledging the pressure faced by his fellow athletes during competitions.
In a later reflection, Tencio recognized the emotional toll of not qualifying, stating, 'I had the opportunity to narrate how my friends were competing in the Olympics.
I felt the weight of the pressure from an entire country on their shoulders and realized I am grateful not to be in that position right now.'
Tencio's candid revelations shed light on the mental health challenges athletes may face and underscore the significance of support systems in navigating such profound struggles.
