Snowboarder Chloe Kim is opening up about her mental and physical preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, sharing insights into her wellness routine in the latest issue of Women’s Health. The 25-year-old athlete discusses how she’s proactively addressed burnout and prioritized mental clarity through therapy, alongside her rigorous training regimen.
Mental Wellness: A Key Component
Kim admits to feeling “lost and stuck” after the 2022 Beijing Olympics. To combat this, she began attending therapy twice weekly, learning essential boundaries and self-compassion. She describes the results as “beautiful,” emphasizing the impact of professional mental health support in her high-pressure career.
This approach highlights a growing trend among elite athletes recognizing mental well-being as critical to performance, not simply a secondary concern. The pressure to maintain peak physical condition is intense, but the mental toll is often overlooked. Kim’s openness challenges this stigma and underscores the value of proactive mental healthcare.
Physical Rigor and Unexpected Rituals
Kim maintains a demanding athletic schedule: six workouts per week, supplemented by protein smoothies (her favorite is chocolate-peanut butter) and bi-daily massages to manage muscle soreness. Her routine also includes an unusual but effective foot-care solution.
Due to the extreme demands of snowboarding, Kim has lost toenails over time. To cope, she uses Gel-X extensions to replace missing nails, admitting they sometimes fall off unexpectedly (once even on a plane). This candid detail illustrates the realities of competitive sports: even Olympians face physical vulnerabilities that require unconventional solutions.
Balancing Discipline with Self-Care
Kim’s wellness toolkit isn’t just about intense training; it includes moments of intentional relaxation. She also mentioned enjoying “bed rotting,” a playful term for allowing herself periods of rest and recovery. This balance between discipline and self-care is crucial for preventing burnout and sustaining long-term performance.
“It’s worked out quite beautifully.”
– Chloe Kim, on the impact of therapy
Ultimately, Kim’s approach to wellness demonstrates a holistic strategy: physical strength, mental clarity, and realistic self-awareness are all essential for competing at the highest level. The candid details of her routine, from missing toenails to therapy sessions, humanize the athlete while highlighting the challenges and sacrifices behind Olympic success.
