Dylan Bettencourt
Kenyan Sevens Rugby player Dennis Ombachi has taken a step back from the sport after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Ombachi said his coach guided him towards getting treatment for the disorder that can cause severe mood swings.
The 31-year-old Kenyan played at the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro and also featured at the 2013 Sevens World Cup.
Ombachi opened up about his struggles when he felt his mood drop and often lost interest during matches or in training, which led to him crying in the showers.
Before the Sevens World Cup in 2018, Ombachi spoke to his coach about his situation.
“I had been having issues in my later years in high school and my early sporting career,” Ombachi said.
Ombachi hit rock bottom, attempting to take his own life, but his three sisters found him in time.
He sought help, where he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“It was starting to affect my personal life, my friendship with the mother of my kids and everything else,” he said.
“My diagnosis came in my late 20s. It was still at the prime of my career when I was hospitalised. When I look back, it was as if I had managed to be where I was despite my condition. But then it got worse.”
He revealed his diagnosis in a social media post, announcing that he was taking a break from the sport almost a year ago.
“My career was almost coming to an end. I needed to detach myself from sports because it is quite demanding.
“You’re expected to perform at your level best no matter the situation. You have to maintain a certain physical condition. There are many stresses inside and outside the sports organisation, including life issues,” he said.
Ombachi is however now looking to make a return to the field to play the sport he loves.
Image source: @PlanetSevens
