Meet the Frenchwoman who took a mental health break from the game not long ago and will now hit the first tee shot in the Paris Olympics https://t.co/dj3U3JjgIX pic.twitter.com/hKlV7sdGaV
— Golfweek (@golfweek) August 7, 2024
Perrine Delacour is a rising star in the world of golf, representing France on the international stage. Born on April 5, 1994, in Laon, France, Delacour has made significant strides in her golfing career, highlighted by her recent win at the Ladies European Tour’s Dormy Open in Sweden. Ranked 76th globally, she has become a prominent figure in women’s golf, showcasing resilience and determination, especially after a well-publicized mental health break in 2022.
Perrine Delacour’s Mental Health Break and Come Back
Perrine Delacour decided to prioritize her mental health and withdrew from the LPGA in 2022. This choice is increasingly acknowledged as necessary by athletes today. After taking almost a year off, she came back with revived energy, culminating in finishing at number 56 on the CME points list in 2023. Currently, in 2024, Perrine stands poised to achieve a new milestone—hitting the initial tee shot of the Paris Olympics, an ambition that had previously seemed unattainable for her dreams.
The reason for Delacour’s restored performance can be attributed to her cooperation with the support team in France. Her comeback included not only enhancing her abilities but also transforming her thought process. Delacour realized that her value as an individual wasn’t dependent on how well she played golf, which proved difficult for many athletes to comprehend. This change of mindset cleared away unrealistic expectations and enabled her to concentrate solely on improving without any mental burden weighing down upon herself.
Facing Olympic Pressure with Poise
As Delacour prepares to tee off at the Paris Olympics, she reflects on advice from her compatriot, Matthieu Pavon. Pavon, who also competed in the Olympics, reminded her to stay calm and manage the emotions of such a grand stage. His experience, coupled with her own, has prepared Delacour for the pressure of competing in front of a home crowd, where she knows every shot will be scrutinized.
Le Golf National in Paris is set to have an electrifying atmosphere as eager fans root for their local heroes. Perrine Delacour and Celine Boutier, both Frenchwomen—the latter a major winner in the LPGA and world number seven player—will be carrying the hopes of their nation. Nonetheless, despite this pressure-filled responsibility bestowed upon them, Delacour remains steadfastly determined to relish every moment regardless of what may come her way.
Upon stepping onto the tee box, Perrine Delacour will reflect on her remarkable journey from emotional exhaustion to competing at the Olympics. This voyage has molded not only her golf skills but also who she is as an individual. In overcoming challenges that numerous would evade confronting, many view her already as a champion in their eyes.
With the whole world watching, Delacour is ready to make her mark on the Olympic stage, embracing the challenge and the opportunity to inspire others with her story of resilience and perseverance.
