Athlete Burnout Could Derail Future Champions, Experts Warn

By Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (BERNAMA) – Burnout is more than ordinary fatigue – it is a syndrome that can erode spirit, health and future prospects, not only for athletes but also for the general public if left unchecked.

Former Director of the Sports Innovation and Technology Centre (SITC) and Senior Lecturer in Sports Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Ts Dr Hadafi Fitri Mohd Latip, said burnout does not occur suddenly but progresses through several stages, often signalled by early symptoms.

He said early warning signs include prolonged tiredness, sleep disturbances, frequent illness or injury, depression, social withdrawal, emotional stress and a sudden decline in performance.

“If athletes begin to show these signs, early intervention is crucial to prevent further harm to their performance and overall well-being,” he told Bernama.

Hadafi Fitri said sports science has proven that training without adequate recovery can lead to long-term negative effects.

“Effective training is not only about working hard, but also about doing it systematically and progressively through scientific methods such as periodisation, active recovery (sports massage, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy and other methods) and a balanced diet that provides sufficient nutrition.

“If these elements are ignored, athletes may not only fall short of their potential but also face chronic injuries, as a poorly nourished body is more prone to damage,” he said.

However, he stressed that athletes suffering from burnout still have a chance to recover by incorporating variety into their training, following structured schedules, and receiving strong support from themselves, coaches, parents, and sports stakeholders.

“Many athletes who went through burnout managed to bounce back and return to their best, with some even becoming champions once given sufficient recovery and balanced training.

“Recovery must involve training adjustments, psychological support and scientific rehabilitation methods,” he said.

Meanwhile, national athletics coach Mohd Manshahar Abdul Jalil cautioned that highly specific training from a very young age – known as early specialisation – could lead to both mental and physical exhaustion, as well as long-term injury risks.

He suggested that Malaysia learn from developed countries such as Sweden and Germany, which prioritise fun and learning in sports development rather than pushing for early success.

“In Sweden, for example, competitions for athletes under 10 years old do not focus on winning but on enjoyment, teamwork and building basic skills.

“Children should first experience the joy of sports before we shape them into elite athletes. In Malaysia, however, many are already put into serious training as early as age seven or eight.

“When pressure comes too early, they lose interest before reaching their full potential,” he said.

-- BERNAMA