Chloe Kim, the celebrated Olympic snowboarder, has opened up about her recent diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), revealing how it has altered her view of herself and her achievements. At just 26, Kim has already earned three Olympic medals, including two golds from the Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as a silver medal from the Milan Games earlier this year. Yet, her success in sports did not shield her from feelings of insecurity and confusion about her everyday life.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Kim discussed her struggles prior to receiving her ADHD diagnosis at the start of 2025. She recounted that despite her notable performance on the slopes, she often felt “lazy” and was puzzled by her inability to apply the same drive and focus in areas outside of snowboarding, such as completing daily tasks and maintaining conversations. “I had a really hard time sticking with a thought, a really hard time just getting things done,” she admitted.
Kim explained that while she excelled in snowboarding, the energy and focus she required did not translate to her personal life. Everyday chores like laundry and dishes became daunting. “It was very confusing for me to not have that type of energy going into my life, and I just felt like I was lazy,” she stated. “It really didn’t make me feel good about myself. I felt very insecure. I felt like I was lost.”
The young athlete described feeling like a “high-functioning individual” who had the desire to be productive, yet found it frustrating that her brain felt chaotic and unfocused. This sense of disarray often left her questioning her capabilities and self-worth. However, Kim also shared that her ADHD is an integral part of her identity and, in many ways, has contributed to her success in the sport. “I’m so grateful that I channeled it into my sport because I think it is a superpower,” she added.
Following her diagnosis, Kim expressed that it offered her significant clarity about her unique thought processes. She pointed out that ADHD is frequently misrepresented and is often associated only with negative traits. “I hadn’t heard stories of people with ADHD sharing the same experience that I have, so that just led to so much confusion and doubt,” she remarked. Through understanding her condition, Kim has transitioned to embracing her ADHD rather than viewing it as a burden.
Kim is currently working with a psychiatrist to navigate her ADHD and has opted for a non-stimulant medication, Qelbree. She admitted to having reservations about taking stimulant medications, and through her exploration of alternatives, she discovered this option. “It’s been a really great shift in my journey, for sure,” she noted.
Her partnership with Qelbree marks a new chapter for Kim, who has also recently completed filming the fifth season of the reality series “The Traitors.” Her openness about her mental health struggles is an encouraging message to many, particularly in the context of the often isolated experience of living with ADHD.
Kim’s story serves as an important reminder of the need for greater awareness and understanding of ADHD, especially among high-achieving individuals. The athlete’s journey highlights that despite the challenges associated with such a diagnosis, these can be reframed as strengths when channelled positively. “I love my brain,” Kim proclaimed, celebrating her neurodivergent identity and the creative energy it has bestowed upon her in her sport.
As she continues to redefine her relationship with ADHD, Chloe Kim aims to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. By sharing her experiences candidly, she hopes to foster a sense of community and understanding among those navigating their own journeys with ADHD. Kim’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-acceptance.