Powerade’s groundbreaking initiative, The Athletes Code, redefined the landscape of athlete sponsorships by formally recognizing the right to pause—not just for physical health but for mental and emotional well-being. In traditional sponsorship contracts, physical injuries are met with understanding, while mental health challenges are not – often forcing athletes to push through out of fear of losing sponsorship deals. Powerade took a bold stand, embedding this provision into all athlete contracts to ensure they could prioritize mental wellness without jeopardizing their partnerships. The impact was powerful. Athletes, sports journalists, lawyers, and global media voiced overwhelming support, with outlets like Forbes and ESPN amplifying the message. The Athletes Code reached over 766 million people globally, sparking a new industry standard where pausing is celebrated as a strength, not a weakness. By leading with action rather than words, Powerade paved the way for lasting change, proving that the holistic well-being of athletes should never be compromised.