Chloe Kim says ADHD diagnosis ended years of self-doubt

Three-time Olympic medalist Chloe Kim announced in October that she was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Kim, 26, confirmed the news in an interview with the California Post. She has been managing the condition for the past seven months. The disclosure accompanies her partnership with Qelbree for the "Ms. Represented" campaign, which aims to increase visibility for women and girls living with ADHD.

Kim stated that the diagnosis provided a clear explanation for behaviors she had struggled to understand for years. She described the realization as a freeing experience because it validated her personal history.

"I got diagnosed with ADHD seven months ago, and I think that it was the most freeing thing I have experienced in a while because I felt like everything I was experiencing had a reason," Kim said. She noted that the condition is often misrepresented, which delayed her path to seeking professional help.

Before the diagnosis, Kim admitted she was not in a good mental state despite her athletic success. She attributed years of confusion to a lack of understanding about her own mind. She said she frequently called herself lazy or a poor listener because she could not identify the root cause of her difficulties.

Kim explained that her ADHD created a stark contrast between her professional and personal life. She said the condition helped her maintain intense focus on snowboarding, allowing her to progress rapidly in her sport. She described her dedication to the sport as an obsession that served as a superpower.

However, Kim said the same traits made her life outside of snowboarding feel like a mess. She struggled to socialize, make plans, and remember commitments. She said she often neglected her own needs while channeling all her energy into competition.

Kim discussed how the diagnosis has improved her relationship with Myles Garrett, the edge rusher for the Rams. She described herself as the more talkative partner in the relationship, noting that Garrett is quiet. She said he was supportive when she shared her diagnosis.

"I feel like he was so supportive when I got diagnosed. He was like, 'This actually makes a lot of sense for you. I am proud of you for doing that and getting the help,'" Kim recalled. She said the diagnosis has helped her manage tasks that involve Garrett, such as remembering specific requests during errands.

Kim shared an example of forgetting to buy cookies for Garrett and instead purchasing cheese. She said the mix-up highlighted how her condition affected daily routines before she received treatment. Now, she says she successfully buys both items, balancing her own preferences with Garrett's requests.