Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps might have won a record 23 gold medals, but his more lasting legacy may come in opening the eyes to the very real problem of depression and suicide among the Olympic athletes we so laud. Singularly focused since childhood on their achievements in brief events at the international events held every four years, the letdown following the events, win or lose, is considerable, and many athletes who have largely ignored other aspects of life, spiral down.
Phelps has already talked mental health in a series of public service announcements, but his documentary “The Weight of Gold” (HBO, 9 p.m.) goes much further in bringing attention to this hidden malady, with the participation of many familiar athletes. The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that would have started this week could be a blessing — or just postpone the darkness for another year.
A shorter documentary “The Speed Cubers” (Netflix, streaming) look at the lives of a pair who have set speed records at the Rubik’s Cube.
The Polish film “The Hater” (Netflix, streaming) from director Jan Kornasa follows a man who sets up hateful social media accounts within his job for a liberal politician. It’s a sequel of sorts to “Suicide Room” from the director of the Oscar nominated “Corpus Christi,” and it won at the Tribeca Film Festival.
For those who follow such things, having the heads of Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google together, taking questions at a Congressional Hearing (CSPAN, noon) may be worth a tune-in.