Prince Harry played a big role in helping Iwan Thomas through a tough period in his life, the former Olympic athlete has revealed.
The Welsh sprinter, 50, reached the dizzy heights of silver at the Atlanta Games in 1996 before taking gold at the World Championships in 1997 and breaking world records.
However, he has candidly admitted that years later he was having suicidal thoughts as he dealt with depression.
Speaking openly about the tough period in his life in his new book, the former Strictly contestant explained how all the highs of his career happened so quickly before being taken away from him.
He revealed he sought counselling, but said it was words by Prince Harry that stuck with him.
The athlete met the Duke of Sussex in 2016 at a Heads Together event, the mental health initiative set up alongside Prince William and Princess Kate. He labelled the pivotal moment the “weirdest thing” as he stood alongside Harry flipping burgers.
But it was at that moment he found himself really opening up about his struggles. He wrote: “I hadn’t ever really spoken about depression or dark times. I suddenly just opened up to him. It was very bizarre but because he was a stranger I felt I could talk to him. He’s been through so much himself, it was easy to talk to him. It opened that tin and allowed me to talk to other people.”
Iwan admitted he wished he had opened up soon, saying it’s a “bit of a blokey thing not to talk”. But he admitted in bottling it up, it only makes the matter worse. “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, whether you are a member of the Royal family or you drive a taxi. If depression is going to get to you, it’s going to get to you,” he continued.
In addition to seeking counseling, Iwan Thomas found comfort and support in Prince Harry during a difficult period in his life. The former Olympic athlete opened up about his struggles with depression in his new book, revealing that the words spoken by the Duke of Sussex had a lasting impact on him.
Meeting Prince Harry at a Heads Together event in 2016, Iwan described the experience as “weird” but ultimately transformative. He shared how he unexpectedly found himself confiding in the Prince about his mental health challenges, feeling a sense of ease and understanding in the conversation.
Reflecting on the importance of opening up about mental health, Iwan acknowledged the tendency for many individuals, particularly men, to keep their struggles hidden. He emphasized the universal nature of mental health issues, emphasizing that seeking help and talking about experiences is essential in overcoming them.
By sharing his story and the impact of Prince Harry’s support, Iwan hopes to encourage others to break the stigma surrounding mental health and seek help when needed. His journey serves as a reminder that no one is immune to mental health challenges, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Prince Harry played a significant role in supporting Iwan Thomas during a challenging period in his life, as revealed by the former Olympic athlete. Thomas, who achieved silver at the Atlanta Games in 1996 and gold at the World Championships in 1997, spoke candidly about his battle with depression years later.
Despite his athletic successes, Thomas found himself struggling with suicidal thoughts as he grappled with his mental health. Seeking help, he recounted how a chance encounter with Prince Harry at a Heads Together event in 2016 led to a transformative conversation.
Opening up about his struggles in his new book, Thomas highlighted the impact of Prince Harry’s words on him. The Duke of Sussex’s presence and understanding created a safe space for Thomas to share his difficulties, breaking the silence around mental health.
Reflecting on the experience, Thomas emphasized the importance of men, in particular, to speak up about their mental health challenges. He noted that suppressing emotions only exacerbates the situation and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Thomas hopes that by sharing his story and the support he received from Prince Harry, he can inspire others to seek help and break the stigma surrounding mental health. His journey serves as a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their background or achievements.
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Source: New York Post
