Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Granting Department

Communication

Major Professor

Travis Bell, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Gregory Perreault, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Artemio Ramirez, Ph.D.

Keywords

Athlete Mental Health, Sports Media Framing, Olympic Sport Culture

Abstract

This study examines how the HBO documentary The Weight of Gold constructs meaning around athlete mental health through narrative and visual framing. Grounded in framing theory, the purpose of this research is to identify the key themes presented in the film and analyze how cinematic techniques shape audience understanding of mental health in Olympic athletes. The rationale for this study stems from a gap in existing research, as most scholarship focuses on psychological outcomes rather than how media representations construct those meanings. Using a qualitative approach, the study applies thematic analysis to 17 scenes of the documentary, supported by a structured scene table that captures dialogue, visuals, sound, and editing choices. These data were inductively coded and later interpreted through a framing lens. The findings reveal three dominant themes: (1) sport as a singular identity, (2) normalized pressure, and (3) disappearing support after performance. Additionally, framing patterns, such as close-up interviews, fast-paced competition montages, and the absence of institutional voices, guide viewers to interpret mental health struggles as systemic rather than individual failures. The study concludes that The Weight of Gold reframes athlete mental health as a predictable outcome of elite sport structures, contributing to broader conversations about responsibility, support systems, and cultural change. These findings highlight the role of documentary storytelling in shaping public discourse and advancing understanding within sport communication and media studies.

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