Olympic snowboarding champion Chloe Kim has shared that she received an ADHD diagnosis seven months ago, describing the experience as the "most freeing thing" she has encountered.
Kim, who is also the girlfriend of Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Myles Garrett, spoke with The California Post about the diagnosis. She stated that the diagnosis provided clarity and validation for her lifelong experiences. "I do believe that ADHD is incredibly misrepresented, which is why it took me so long to get diagnosed and seek help," Kim said. "When I got to a place where I needed some answers and I needed clarity, and ultimately got my diagnosis, it made so much more sense."
Kim, 26, explained that prior to her diagnosis, she struggled with confusion and self-disappointment, often attributing her challenges to laziness or lack of focus. "I was like, 'Well, maybe I'm just lazy. Maybe I'm not a good listener. Maybe I'm not a good friend.' I would just talk so negatively to myself because I was so unaware of what I was going through," she admitted.
While Kim acknowledged that her ADHD may have contributed to her intense focus and dedication in her sport, leading to her success, she felt her life outside of snowboarding suffered. "It was an obsession, and I think that it helped me in so many ways to progress as fast as I did," she said about her sport. "But outside of it, I didn't put any time or effort into me and myself. I wasn't able to just hang out with people, make plans, remember the plans I made … I just felt like my life outside of the snow was such a mess."
Kim also discussed how the diagnosis has impacted her relationship with Garrett. "It's funny because he's definitely the quiet one in the relationship, and I'm the one that can't shut my mouth to save my life. But in a way, I think at first he was like, 'Hmm, this girl talks a lot,'" Kim recalled. "I feel like he was so supportive when I got diagnosed. He was like, 'This actually makes a lot of sense for you. I'm proud of you for doing that and getting the help.' But I feel like we're good … Nothing's changed that much. I think that I'm just able to get the things I need to get done that involves him."
With the diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Kim feels more balanced and content in her life off the slopes. "It was nice to know that there's a reason why I have a very special, fun brain, and that she just needs a little bit of guidance sometimes," she added.