S1E73: The Angela Lee interview: MMA fighter opens up about mental health

Hard Tackle

In an emotional interview, MMA star Angela Lee champions mental health.

Synopsis: The Straits Times looks at the talking points in sport every second
Wednesday of the month.

The following podcast contains conversations on self harm and suicide. Audience discretion is advised.

In a recent article, MMA fighter Angela Lee recently opened up about her struggles with mental health, her attempt to take her own life in 2017 and that her sister Victoria died by suicide last December.

In an emotional interview, the One Championship star who retired at the end of September 2023, talks to ST sports journalist Deepanraj Ganesan about her sister and Fightstory, her mental health initiative dedicated to inspiring hope and building a community for those struggling with mental health.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:30 Angela Lee’s advice for aspiring MMA athletes

7:55 What prompted Angela Lee to open up about her mental health struggles

9:45 Does being an MMA athlete make it harder to open up about your weaknesses?

10:40 What kind of help did Angela Lee seek to feel better?

18:25 What will be the main focus of Angela’s Fightstory initiative

Read more: https://str.sg/iGqF

Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan ([e-mail]) & Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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Chapters

1. The Angela Lee interview: MMA fighter opens up about mental health (00:00:00)

2. Angela Lee’s advice for aspiring MMA athletes (00:03:30)

3. What prompted Angela Lee to open up (00:07:55)

4. Does being an MMA athlete make it harder? (00:09:45)

5. Help Angela Lee seek to feel better (00:10:40)

6. Main focus of Angela’s Fightstory initiative (00:18:25)