Racing for Mental Health: Atley Wiese's Journey to Raise Awareness
A teenager from Hampton Roads, Atley Wiese, is using his passion for racing to raise awareness about mental health. Wiese's interest in NASCAR was sparked by watching races with his grandfather, leading him to pursue racing as a hobby. He started racing in a limited late model car at Langley Speedway and soon realized it could be more than just a hobby.
In 2023, Wiese became a campus captain for The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit organization focused on mental health awareness and education, with support from Kobe Bryant. As a student athlete, Wiese understands the pressures and challenges that come with balancing sports and academics. He shares insights from psychologists and his own experiences to support other student athletes dealing with stress.
Wiese's motto, "Control the controllables," emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be managed in sports and life to reduce stress and anxiety. He continues to advocate for mental health awareness both on and off the racetrack, aiming to make a positive impact on others. Wiese plans to keep racing and will participate in his next race at Langley on November 1.
For more information about The Hidden Opponent and their initiatives, visit their website.