Andrew Mackiewicz makes waves in mental health space
When Andrew Mackiewicz moved to New York City, he fulfilled a lifelong dream that he didn’t ever have the money to accomplish. The inner child from Boston who used to shop at T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s was now living in the Big Apple.
“I always wanted to move to NYC and it’s a big commitment and challenge,” Mackiewicz said. “But I did it and I’m incredibly proud of it.”
The Olympic fencing saber first knew he had a platform for change when a close family friend lost their battle with cancer. After losing them, Mackiewicz knew he would do what he could to give back after their death.
Today, he personally struggles to overcome issues with mental health. He knows what it is like to be in a battle with your own mind, but through his family and friend’s openness to sharing their struggles and the realization he has a platform, he perseveres.
“[Mental health] is a continuous battle,” Mackiewicz said. “I realized many athletes and people in general are going through similar challenges. I hope to use my story to inspire others that any challenges can be won.”
The education component of his mission is crucial. He knows that having been in sport for 20 years he has insight and resources that could be useful to help the youth.
The next generation of athletes will face similar problems regarding mental health, but Mackiewicz knows that he will do what he can to help them overcome their own battles.
“It’s so important to help the younger generation and give them the resources to thrive,” he said.
While at Penn State, Andrew was a key advocate for athlete wellbeing, and as a member of the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board, he helped run events to spread awareness. Whether it was creating field days for kids or building community in different ways, Andrew loved helping others.
His advice to other athletes- just begin.
“Just start somewhere,” he said. “Doesn’t have to be big.”
The Olympic athlete knows that he will continue to do what he can to help while his platform is at its peak. Dreams should not be taken away because of mental health issues, and Andrew knows firsthand how difficult life can become.
“I want to bring more awareness and resources around the topic of Mental Health,” he said. “I want to use my story to inspire others to go after their dreams.”
The little boy who dreamed of owning a pair of Jordans is proud of the man Andrew Mackiewicz has become. And it is only the beginning.
