Chloe Kim, the celebrated Olympic snowboarder, is making strides in her advocacy for mental health following her recent diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The 26-year-old athlete shared her journey with PEOPLE, emphasising her desire to broaden awareness of ADHD and its diverse manifestations.
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Having always considered mental health to be a crucial topic, Kim felt a newfound urgency to share her experiences after receiving her diagnosis earlier this year. Reflecting on her journey, she noted that she previously had difficulty identifying with other individuals discussing their ADHD experiences. “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 revealed.
Kim described her ADHD as a “superpower,” attributing much of her success in snowboarding to her neurodivergent brain. However, she candidly acknowledged feelings of being “lost” before consulting with a psychiatrist and starting on Qelbree, a non-stimulant medication for ADHD. “It’s a big part of who I am, and it helps me so much with my sport and all the other big things that I’ve been able to do,” she said.
Her advocacy isn’t just about personal achievements; Kim is keen to paint a broader picture of ADHD to dispel the notion that it manifests in a singular way. “I want people to be more aware of what it could look like in all the different ways, not just one,” she stated. This message, she believes, is especially important as many individuals may find the idea of seeking a diagnosis or mental health support daunting.
Kim highlighted the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. “You just have to take the first scary step, but it’s so worth it in the end,” she advised, encouraging others to reach out and recognise that they are not alone. “There are incredible options available,” she added, particularly for women and the younger generation who may face unique challenges.
Having recently earned her third Olympic medal—a silver in the halfpipe at the Milan Olympics—Kim’s accomplishments extend beyond sports. In a recent venture, she completed filming for the upcoming season of Peacock’s “The Traitors,” where she will compete against a cast of familiar faces, including reality stars and entertainers.
Despite her busy schedule, Kim is committed to using her platform to foster dialogue around mental health, particularly ADHD. She expresses gratitude for the support she received in obtaining her diagnosis and effective treatment, underscoring the transformative impact it has had on her life.
Throughout her experiences, Kim has come to appreciate the unique abilities that her ADHD affords her, particularly in terms of creativity and problem-solving. “I love the way my mind works,” she remarked, highlighting her intention to share her positive perspective as part of her advocacy work.
With her visibility as an athlete and influencer, Kim hopes to inspire others to embrace their mental health journeys and seek the help they need. As she continues to break boundaries in her sport, she aims to promote an understanding that mental health issues, including ADHD, are multifaceted and can be approached with openness and support.