Chloe Kim credits ADHD diagnosis with clarifying life outside of snowboarding

Chloe Kim announced in late October that she received an ADHD diagnosis seven months ago. The three-time Olympic medalist stated the news felt liberating because it explained years of unexplained behaviors. She spoke about the diagnosis in an interview with the California Post.

Kim explained that she previously struggled with self-doubt and confusion. She described spending years questioning whether she was lazy, a poor listener, or a bad friend. That internal dialogue created a sense of disappointment that persisted despite her professional success on the snow.

The athlete believes her condition was misrepresented for a long time, which delayed her path to getting help. She said feeling validated was a major relief. She no longer feels her experiences are dismissed as normal overwhelm. She now views her brain as special and fun, but one that occasionally requires guidance.

Kim noted that her ADHD had a positive impact on her competitive career. She attributed her rapid progress in snowboarding to an obsessive dedication to the sport. Her focus allowed her to fixate on how to become the best. However, she admitted her life outside of competition felt chaotic. She struggled to maintain social plans and remember commitments to friends.

The 26-year-old athlete said she feels more balanced and content since starting treatment. She is currently in a relationship with Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett. Kim said Garrett is the quieter partner in the dynamic. He initially found her constant talking amusing but supportive of her diagnosis.

Garrett told Kim that the diagnosis made sense for her. He expressed pride in her decision to seek help. Kim said their relationship has remained stable. She is now better able to complete tasks that involve him. This improvement helps reduce the friction in their daily interactions.

Kim shared a specific example of how her condition affected their shopping trips. She would frequently forget to buy the cookies Garrett requested. Instead, she would return with the cheese she personally wanted. Garrett dislikes that type of cheese, which led to visible disappointment. Now, Kim gets the cheese and Garrett gets the cookies.

Kim is partnering with Qelbree for a campaign called Ms. Represented. The initiative aims to increase visibility for women and girls living with ADHD. She hopes her story will help others who feel dismissed or overwhelmed. The campaign seeks to validate the experiences of those who have waited a long time for clarity.