VIMHS

People First Radio

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society

  • Charlie Cavanagh talks mental health in elite sport after retirement from boxing

Charlie Cavanagh talks mental health in elite sport after retirement from boxing

Friday 21st June 2024

Charlie Cavanagh shares her journey through elite boxing, mental health struggles, and recovery in this heartfelt episode of People First Radio.
23 minutes
Honest
Inspiring
Supportive
Compassionate
Eye-opening

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Charlie Cavanagh: Beyond the Boxing Ring

Episode Overview

  • Charlie started boxing at age 12 and represented Canada internationally.
  • She faced significant mental health challenges and battled eating disorders.
  • Charlie retired from boxing due to feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.
  • She discusses the pressures from social media and public expectations.
  • Charlie aims to promote mental health awareness and support within sports.
First and foremost, we're human. As an athlete, sometimes people watch you on TV and we're hyper aware of the eyes that are on us.
Charlie Cavanagh, a former elite boxer, opens up about her journey through the highs and lows of her sporting career in this episode of People First Radio. Starting boxing at the tender age of 12, Charlie quickly rose to prominence, representing Canada in international competitions and bagging numerous medals. However, behind the glitz and glamour of her achievements, she faced significant mental health challenges and battled eating disorders for over a decade.
Charlie discusses the immense physical and mental toll of being an elite athlete, shedding light on the pressures from social media and public expectations. She shares her struggles with feeling like an imposter in a sport she no longer loved and the relief she felt upon retiring. The conversation takes a deeper dive into the culture of boxing, the unhealthy emphasis on weight classes, and the need for better mental health support within high-performance sports.
Charlie's candid reflections on her journey to recovery and her mission to use her platform to promote awareness about mental health and eating disorders make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of sports. Don't miss out on Charlie's heartfelt advice and the inspiring story of her resilience.