McIlroy: Mental toll is too great
SPORTSMEN are being driven to mental illness as the industry has become big business, says former golf world No1 Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irishman said increasing levels of pressure may have contributed to England cricketer Jonathan Trott’s battle with a stress-related condition.
“As sport becomes so big and there’s so much pressure and so much on the line, it’s becoming more and more common that these sorts of stress-related illnesses are happening,” he said.
“It just shows how much of a mental toll it takes on you sometimes.”
Though not troubled by mental ill-health, McIlroy has endured a testing season of lows and faltering revivals, but hopes to claim a first victory of 2013 at the Australian Open this week.
“It’s been a long year, I guess mentally more than physically,” he added. “Mentally it’s quite draining – not just the golf and being frustrated with my game.”