Alex Haydock-Wilson, a British international runner, shares his journey with bipolar disorder. After winning Olympic bronze, he faced a challenging season, ranking 16th in the country. Despite this, he feels more secure and grounded.

Haydock-Wilson was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after the Olympics. Initially reluctant, he eventually accepted it and took a break from his PhD to focus on running. However, his performance did not improve as expected, leading to a period of reflection. Read more racing coverage.

He believes his mental health work has helped him separate his athletic performance from his self-worth. This new perspective allows him to cope better with poor results. He is now working with a new coach and plans to return to his PhD studies. Related: Olympic Sprinter Beth Dobbin Battles ME, Speaks Out Despite Health Risks.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.