As the snow begins to fall and the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics ticks on, champion snowboarder Chloe Kim is stepping back onto the competitive slope. The journey, however, is markedly different this time. The immense weight of expectation that once threatened to overwhelm her remains, but Kim is now facing it with a newfound voice and vulnerability, reshaping her narrative from one defined solely by gold medals to one of profound personal growth.
From Rock Bottom to Renewed Strength: Kim's Mental Health Journey
In a candid reflection, Chloe Kim has detailed the intense mental health challenges that engulfed her following her triumphant gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The period, exacerbated by the global pandemic, saw her struggle profoundly. "I think I tried to do things by, I don't know, getting into self-care and whatnot. But my mental health got really bad, honestly, a couple of years ago," Kim revealed. She described reaching a critical low point, a necessary catalyst for change. "I had to hit rock bottom to see that I needed to take care of myself," she stated, highlighting how intensive therapy became her anchor, helping her rebuild a sense of balance and self-awareness.
Even as she prepares for another Olympic cycle, familiar anxieties resurface. Kim admits to moments of panic, wondering, "What if I wake up tomorrow and don't know how to snowboard?" Yet, she finds solace in her element. The moment her boots click into her board, the fear dissipates. "But the minute I get my snowboard on, I'm like, 'Oh, why was I being so dramatic? I'm totally fine,'" she shared. This honest admission underscores a critical lesson Kim has embraced: that true strength often resides in acknowledging fear and choosing to move forward regardless.
A Support System Beyond the Slopes: Relationship with Myles Garrett
Kim's support network now extends far beyond the confines of the halfpipe. She opened up about her relationship with Cleveland Browns NFL star Myles Garrett, a connection that took her by surprise. "I had no idea who he was. Like, zero idea," Kim said with a laugh. That initial unawareness has blossomed into deep admiration and mutual support.
She speaks glowingly of Garrett's character, emphasizing that his kindness is as impactful as his athletic prowess. "Honestly, Myles is such an incredible athlete. I'm constantly inspired and in awe of him and how hard he works and how incredibly kind he is," Kim expressed. This partnership provides a grounding force in her life. "I'm really lucky to be part of his life and lucky that he's part of mine. Yeah, we're happy," she concluded, highlighting the personal joy that complements her professional ambitions.
Redefining Victory Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
As the world looks toward the 2026 Winter Games, Chloe Kim's story is undergoing a powerful transformation. It is no longer a linear tale of youthful dominance and flawless runs. Instead, it is being shaped by introspection, professional help, and a clearer, more compassionate understanding of herself. Her public dialogue about mental health, therapy, and the pressures of elite sport is forging a legacy that may prove as impactful as her historic Olympic performances.
Kim's journey illustrates a vital message for athletes and fans alike: the path to greatness is not always fearless. Sometimes, it is paved with difficult conversations, the courage to ask for help, and the resilience to continue despite internal struggles. As she trains for another shot at Olympic glory, Chloe Kim carries with her not just the hopes of a nation, but the hard-earned wisdom of a woman who has learned to own every part of her story.
