Olympian Chloe Kim Reveals Painful Past with Online Hate and Body Image Struggles
Chloe Kim, the celebrated two-time Olympian and snowboarding champion, has courageously opened up about some of the darkest periods of her life in a recent interview. The 25-year-old athlete, who is currently in a high-profile relationship with Cleveland Browns defensive star Myles Garrett, shared deeply personal experiences about the hate she received online and its lasting impact on her mental health.
The Early Onslaught of Online Criticism
In a heartfelt conversation with Elle magazine, Kim revealed that she first encountered significant online hate at just 14 years old, immediately after winning her first X Games gold medal. "It made me feel so terrible," Kim confessed. "It made me feel like my looks were more important than what I had just accomplished."
The young athlete described how this early exposure to public criticism affected her deeply. "As a young girl, that's incredibly detrimental to my body image, my identity, everything," she explained. Kim also shared her struggles with cultural identity, admitting, "Growing up, I was so insecure about speaking Korean with my dad because I just hated that I was Asian and the way that I was being perceived by others."
Overcoming Adversity to Achieve Olympic Success
Despite the emotional toll of this online harassment, Kim demonstrated remarkable resilience. "I had essentially allowed public opinion to win in my eyes," she reflected. "I had never experienced hate in that way. So it was difficult."
Remarkably, Kim never allowed this negativity to derail her athletic ambitions. Through dedicated training and unwavering focus, she transformed herself into a two-time Olympian by age 25, proving that talent and determination could overcome even the most hurtful criticism.
Navigating a High-Profile Romance
Kim's personal life has recently drawn significant attention due to her relationship with NFL star Myles Garrett. While their romance has captivated sports fans, Kim admitted to TIME magazine that she feels "a little scared" about how public their relationship has become, given her previous preference for privacy.
Interestingly, Garrett has maintained a relatively low profile regarding their relationship, choosing not to comment publicly on their romance. This contrast highlights the different approaches the two athletes are taking to manage their newfound public attention.
As Kim continues to compete at the highest levels of winter sports, including participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human struggles behind athletic achievement and the ongoing challenges public figures face in the digital age.
