Celebrating Sports Legacy and Mental Health Awareness with Olympian António Bessone Basto in Lisbon during our 3rd HOORAY partners meeting
HOORAY’s third project meeting took place on the occasion of the European Week of Sport, on 26-27 September 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal. The meeting was hosted by the project partner - Sport Alges e Dafundo.
The partners discussed the project’s results that have been submitted before; Compendium of best practices, self review framework and the recently finalised guidelines for clubs and coaches. The outcomes were reviewed and the partners agreed on a common dissemination plan.
Day two of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the next steps; multiplier and online events, the European conference and the online knowledge hub. It was confirmed that there will be four multiplier events (Portugal, Hungary, Croatia and Finland) and three online events, organised within the framework of the project HOORAY.
During the meeting, the partners also met and spoke to the President of Sport Algés e Dafundo and an Olympian António Bessone Basto. In the following interview, António talked about overcoming obstacles such as dyslexia and motor difficulties and “rising up” to become a professional athlete, mental health challenges, dedication to sport and more.
António Bessone Basto began swimming at the age of three and made his first major achievement at eight by swimming across the Tagus River. He rose to prominence in the 1960s, dominating Portuguese swimming. António set numerous national records and represented Portugal in international competitions, including the 1961 European Championships in Leipzig and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His athletic prowess, however, was not limited to swimming; he excelled in multiple sports, including handball, underwater fishing, judo, karate, basketball, tennis, table tennis, and rugby. As a handball goalkeeper for Sporting Clube de Portugal, Bessone Basto helped secure five consecutive national championships. In underwater fishing, he was a multiple-time national champion and achieved podium finishes in European and world competitions. His accomplishments span over 1,500 medals and trophies across various sports.
With such a long and successful career in various sports, what do you consider to be the secret to your longevity in sports?
Being born almost dead with multiple complications, the main ones being dyslexia and motor difficulties. With the help of sports, I managed to become a normal person. It was a great victory at a time when no one knew much about dyslexia.
Having been one of the most versatile athletes in Portugal, competing in so many different sports, how did you manage to balance dedication and training in each one?
Since I couldn’t study due to the mental challenges I had, I threw myself into sports. I trained 4 to 5 times more than a child my age, and by the time I was 8, I swam across the Tagus River—3 kilometers, which was unimaginable at the time, with very cold temperatures, without a wetsuit or goggles.
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout your career, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was proving to my parents and to society, who didn’t believe in my recovery, that one day I would be a normal child. But I worked so hard that I became a champion in sports and in my professional life, excelling in everything I took on.
Looking back at your journey, what was the most defining moment of your sports career? And what still motivates you to stay so involved in sports?
Looking back, I feel that I achieved my success by taking the longest path. I never used banned substances and was educated by a Japanese man named Dr. Yokochi, who helped me develop a strong mind, which still allows me to plan long-term projects with no end in sight. I should also mention that I am currently 79 years old.
The Intersection of Sports Career and Mental Health
Throughout your long career, what were the biggest challenges you faced regarding mental health, and how did you overcome them?
I felt frustrated that I couldn’t be like the other children, but little by little, I began to realize that by repeating things many times, I could become different, yet just like them.
Do you believe psychological support and mental health work are crucial for the success and longevity of an athlete? How can we improve this support in clubs and federations?
During my time, mental health was not even discussed. Today, an athlete without mental health support can’t endure certain moments they face during daily training and competition.
As President of Sport Algés e Dafundo, what role do you see for sports institutions in supporting athletes’ mental health?
As an Olympic athlete and President of Sport Algés e Dafundo, with the experience I’ve gained, I can confidently say that without good mental health support from clubs, coaches, parents, family members, etc., we run the risk of many athletes degenerating at the end of their careers, potentially leading to suicide. It has already happened.
What advice would you give to athletes facing mental health challenges today, especially those aspiring to have a long and diverse career like yours?
Mental health is essential for every human being, but in competitive sports, without it, achieving the goals we set for ourselves is impossible. Always seek help from a good professional in this field.