Athletes Turn to Knitting for Relaxation and Mental Health
As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, a unique trend has emerged among athletes, with a growing number of competitors packing knitting supplies alongside their gear. This pastime is being embraced not just for its creative outlet, but also for its significant mental health benefits.
Balancing Intensity and Downtime
U.S. men’s cross-country skier Ben Ogden, who recently made headlines by winning two Olympic silver medals, describes the intense nature of competition paired with the need for relaxation during downtime. “We are very busy over here during some points,” Ogden noted. “During that downtime, it’s essential that we rest and put our feet up to get the best out of our training and racing sessions.” For Ogden, knitting offers a way to unwind, putting his feet up, while avoiding excessive screen time.
The practice of knitting acts as a productive distraction from the pressures of competition, providing a means of escapism that many athletes find invaluable. “I think a lot of us have very single-minded sort of brains, and we tend to fixate on things a little bit,” Ogden explained. This fixation, he acknowledges, can be both a strength and a strain, making hobbies like knitting essential to his emotional balance.
The Social Aspect of Knitting
Ogden is not alone in this trend; many of his teammates have adopted knitting as a form of relaxation after training. Fellow athletes, including Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern, also enjoy the craft as a means of winding down. Additionally, U.S. Alpine skier Breezy Johnson crafts new headbands for each race, while U.S. snowboarder Maddie Mastro shares her knitting projects on social media to engage with fans.
The communal aspect of this hobby makes it even more appealing. “We all hang out and do the same things, but it can be tempting just to talk about skiing all the time,” Ogden said. “Having a shared hobby among teammates is a sweet way to connect that doesn’t cause any stress or anxiety.”
Knitting: An Outlet for Stress Relief
The mental health benefits of knitting are well-documented, with studies showing that the repetitive action can help lower stress levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even support cognitive function in aging populations. For Ogden, the craft has provided a productive way to channel his energy, particularly during challenging times.
“It’s great when it comes time to work on your weaknesses and get better, but when you have a bad day or something’s bothering you, it can be draining to obsess over it all the time,” he said. “Having a project you can focus on in a productive way is super essential for me.”
A Growing Trend Among Athletes
Ogden is far from the first elite athlete to turn to knitting for solace. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, Team Finland was noted for their knitters, and British diver Tom Daley gained notoriety for knitting in the stands during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Currently, emerging athletes like Canadian biathlete Adam Runnalls are fostering online communities to share their knitting experiences along with training content, expanding the appeal of this relatively unusual hobby.
Ogden’s journey into knitting was inspired by a teammate who encouraged him to create his own sweater rather than purchase one. This creative kick led him to invest in yarn and tools while training in Switzerland. As his skills grew, he discovered that more of his teammates shared an interest in knitting, adding to the sport’s sense of camaraderie.
Future Goals and Projects
While knitting may be a relaxing outlet, Ogden still sets ambitious goals for himself within the craft. He currently plans to take on the challenge of creating a cable knit sweater during the upcoming World Cup season. Despite the competitive nature of sports, he hopes to maintain a non-competitive spirit in his knitting endeavors. “Ideally, we’d keep it as a non-competitive thing,” he said.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics emphasizing not just the thrill of competition but also the importance of mental well-being, it seems that knitting will continue to stitch athletes together during their demanding schedules.
Source: Original Reporting
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