Lancaster-based video production company McGill Productions went behind the scenes with Olympic Correspondent Raymond Braun. at Paris 2024 to document the mental health trials of some of the athletes that didn’t hit the headlines.
The series, posted to Braun’s Instagram, featured candid conversations with Team USA Olympic athletes such as Mitchell Saron (Fencing), Chris Nilsen (Pole Vault), Ariana Ramsey (Rugby), Mallory Swanson (Soccer), as well as Team New Zealand rower Robbie Manson, exploring how elite athletes manage their mental well-being, the pressures they face at the highest levels of competition, and the importance of investing in mental wellness.
“I didn’t think this would happen at all. I didn’t think this was possible,” reflects Mitchell Saron, after the US Men’s Saber Team lost its quarterfinal match against Iran, 45-44, despite being favourites to medal. “I’ve been in a pretty dark spot, I’m not going to lie.”
Other athletes spoke candidly about how they deal with negative thought patterns and the pressure of performing on the world stage: “I think [mental health] is 70% of your game,” said Ariana Ramsey, who explained the benefits of visualisation and taking control of her thoughts to be in the moment. Ramsey highlighted how working with her Sports Psychologist and using the available meditation rooms in the Olympic Village before games allowed her to focus on performing.
“I like to think of life like a shoelace,” said Chris Nilsen, who noted that the aglet (the plastic piece) on a shoelace was a metaphor for his sports career. “It’s such a small piece of such a large conglomerate.” Chris further explained how he uses the metaphor to keep perspective and remind him that there is more to life than medalling at the Olympics.
In addition to powerful interviews, the team took part in the Marathon Pour Tous – an overnight marathon along the official Olympic route, open to 20,000 runners from all over the world. The team captured interviews with runners, asking their personal motivations for choosing the sport, at the first and only Olympic marathon open to the public.
“I probably won’t finish, but every mile for me is a victory,” said Marion, a runner from the UK taking part in the Marathon. “The thing that inspired me to run was the London 2012 Olympics, so to be here 12 years later is just amazing.”
McGill Productions adds this project to its latest overseas storytelling ventures for 2024, having already filmed in Amsterdam for Brother in June, and Orlando and Croatia for Expedia in March and September respectively, alongside Whitcombe James.
Harry McGill, creative director of McGill Productions, said: “It was amazing to capture stories from the 80% of Olympic athletes that won’t medal. To commit yourself to one thing with no guarantee of success, as these athletes do, must take an unbelievable toll on their mental health. It was an honour to help share the critical message that mental health truly matters.”
McGill Productions is an award-winning video production company based in Lancaster, renowned for its expertise in storytelling and global client base. Specialising in creative brand campaigns, social content, and helping brands speak directly to their audience, McGill Productions continues to produce video excellence worldwide.
