Mental Health and Athletic Longevity: Psychological Strategies for Returning to Elite Sports – A Case Study of a Veteran Judo and Sambo Athlete

Mental health is one of the key factors influencing the successful return of veteran athletes to professional sports after a prolonged break. Sports longevity is determined not only by physical conditioning but also by psychological resilience, adaptive strategies, and the level of social support. This study employs a case study methodology to examine the experience of Volodymyr Rudchenko, a multiple-time Ukrainian champion in veteran judo and sambo, who resumed competitive sports after a ten-year hiatus. The findings indicate that the primary psychological mechanisms facilitating a successful return include cognitive-behavioral adaptation strategies, such as performance visualization, reframing of negative experiences, strategic emotional regulation, and social support. The analysis confirms that veteran athletes face unique psychological challenges, including heightened competitive anxiety, the need to reassess motivational drivers, and the importance of a stable emotional environment. The practical implications of this study can inform coaches, sports psychologists, and medical professionals in developing tailored strategies to support veteran athletes in their return to elite competition, enhance their psychological resilience, and promote sports longevity.