'I want to help break down mental barriers'

British swimming star Michael Jamieson, who won silver medals at the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, got straight to work in his new role as a Laureus Ambassador by engaging with participants from the Laureus-supported Carney’s Community boxing programme in South West London.

Since his transition from swimming in February 2017, Jamieson has opened up about his personal battle with depression and has become an advocate for mental health and wellbeing in sport. Currently working with a group of young swimmers, the 29-year-old is aware of the importance of a duty of care in sport, and is passionate about creating an environment through which young people feel enabled and empowered to discuss their mental and emotional health.

Working with over 160 programmes worldwide, Laureus Sport for Good uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, proving that sport can change the world. One of Sport for Good’s six key focus areas is to use the power of sport to enhance mental wellbeing and encourage healthy behaviour change among young people around the world.

London-based Carney’s Community helps take disadvantaged and excluded young people off the street and away from a life of crime and despair by giving them skills, discipline and self-respect through the sport of boxing. As well as sporting activity, Carney’s Community offers one-to-one mentoring, personal development and assistance with employment and education.

Michael Jamieson said: “It is an honour for me to join Laureus as an Ambassador for the crucial and transformational work they do around the world. Sport has played, and continues to play such an important role in my life, and spending time speaking to the young people at Carney’s Community today just reminds me of the positive and life-changing impact sport can have. .

“Mental health and wellbeing is something I’m passionate about and I’m looking forward to working with Laureus Sport for Good in the future, helping them use sport to help break down mental barriers and promote wellbeing in young people.”

Laureus Academy Member Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’m delighted to welcome Michael to the Laureus Family. In the pool, Michael was a dedicated and focused professional, and I know he is taking those attributes into his post-swimming career. Michael’s passion for the positive impact sport can have makes him the perfect Ambassador for the work we do and I’m looking forward to working with him in the future.”