“Do You Need to Get Surgery?”- Chloe Kim Had a Tough Time Convincing Dad for Therapy

The pandemic was a tough time for everyone, and even two-time Olympic champions like Chloe Kim wasn’t spared from the toll it took on mental health. Chloe Kim became a household name when she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal back in 2018. Then she came back and outdid herself in 2022, where she defended her title in the halfpipe.

But even the snowboarding queen had rough days. 

Chloe Kim opens up about therapy

The US star snowboarder had to face a lot of issues with her rising popularity after the Pyeongchang Olympics. As a teenage Asian-American athlete competing in a predominantly white sport, Kim was subjected to several racist remarks on social media.

She even told TIME magazine she threw her first Olympic gold in the garbage because she “hated life”. But Kim took a step that was difficult for her to take; she got professional help. In her interview, Kim detailed it was hard for her to explain to her father how it worked.

Chloe describes her father, Jong Jin, as ‘traditional’, and initially, he didn’t quite understand why she needed therapy. Kim shared, “Even when I told him I wanted therapy, he’s like, ‘Therapy for what?’ And I’m like, ‘For my brain.’ And he’s like, ‘Oh, do you need to get surgery or something?’” 

READ MORE: “I’m Scared”: Snowboarding Queen Chloe Kim Makes a Heartbreaking Confession on Exposure to Social Media Judgements

Though there was a bit of a roadblock in their communication, Kim’s mother, Boran, was able to mediate, and bring him to the same page. “Therapy filled in the gaps where the stress and hardship couldn’t be consoled by parents and family alone,” Boran said, switching to Korean.

How Kim’s decision was a big step for Asian Americans

As a young Asian-American, Kim wasn’t only dealing with the generational gap between herself and her father. She also trying to reconcile two cultures. It’s a little difficult for immigrant parents to understand the need and benefits of therapy. This is simply because their perspective reflects the time in which it wasn’t common to be open about feelings.

With Kim’s decision to open up about her experience, she has set an example for many young Asian-Americans to take the step to prioritize their mental health. And her impact doesn’t end there. With the champion speaking up, she has joined a slew of top athletes advocating for mental health issues. This list includes big names like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Michael Phelps.

Surely, little by little, we are seeing a shift in the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the world of sports. 

DIVE DEEPER: “Her Number One Fan”- Chloe Kim Backed US-Born Chinese Olympian Eileen Gu, Heaping Praises on Her Talent