When the world watches Chloe Kim soar through the halfpipe at the next Winter Olympics, they’ll see a snowboarding prodigy executing gravity-defying tricks with grace. What they won’t see is the quiet strength behind her comeback—a source of support that comes not from the snow sports world, but from the NFL locker room.
In a rare and deeply personal interview, the two-time Olympic gold medalist revealed that Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has become a pillar of emotional grounding in her life. “I’m really lucky,” Kim said, her voice filled with sincerity, as she described how Garrett’s kindness, work ethic, and steady presence help her navigate the crushing weight of expectations ahead of her Chloe Kim Olympic comeback .
Table of Contents
- Chloe Kim Olympic Comeback and an Unlikely Ally
- Beyond Fame: A Relationship Built on Respect
- How Myles Garrett Creates a Safe Space for Chloe Kim
- The Psychology of Support in Elite Sports
- Why Quiet Backing Matters More Than Public Cheers
- Conclusion: The Power of Human Connection in Sport
- Sources
Chloe Kim Olympic Comeback and an Unlikely Ally
After stepping away from competition following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics—citing burnout, mental health, and a desire to live a more “normal” life—Chloe Kim’s return to elite snowboarding has been anything but guaranteed. The pressure to replicate her historic dominance at just 24 years old is immense.
Yet, Kim says a surprising source of calm comes from her friendship with Garrett, a man whose world of bone-crushing tackles and 40-yard dashes seems galaxies away from icy halfpipes and 1080-degree spins. “He doesn’t see me as ‘Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim,’” she shared. “He sees me as a person. And that’s everything.”
Beyond Fame: A Relationship Built on Respect
Despite both being household names in their respective sports, Kim emphasized that their bond isn’t rooted in celebrity. “It’s not about fame,” she clarified. “It’s about character.”
Garrett, known for his intense focus, discipline, and off-field humility, has earned respect across the sports world—not just for his athletic prowess but for his thoughtful engagement with mental health, social justice, and personal growth. Kim admires his consistency: “He shows up the same every day—grounded, kind, and hardworking. That inspires me more than any motivational quote.”
This mutual respect transcends sport. Both athletes understand the isolation that comes with elite performance, the scrutiny of public life, and the exhausting need to always appear “on.” In each other, they’ve found someone who gets it—without needing explanations.
How Myles Garrett Creates a Safe Space for Chloe Kim
Kim didn’t share specific details of their private conversations, but she highlighted Garrett’s role as a stabilizing force:
- He listens without judgment: “When I’m overwhelmed, he doesn’t try to fix it. He just lets me be.”
- He normalizes vulnerability: In a culture that glorifies toughness, Garrett’s openness about his own struggles gives Kim permission to be human.
- He offers perspective: “He reminds me that my worth isn’t tied to a medal.”
This kind of support is crucial for athletes returning from hiatus. According to the IOC’s Athlete365 program, social connectedness is a top predictor of successful comebacks and long-term mental well-being in elite sport .
The Psychology of Support in Elite Sports
Sports psychologists often distinguish between instrumental support (coaching, training) and emotional support (empathy, presence). While coaches and trainers handle the former, the latter is harder to find—especially from peers who may be competitors.
Garrett, operating outside Kim’s competitive sphere, provides what experts call “non-evaluative support”—a relationship free from performance metrics. This allows Kim to decompress without fear of being assessed or compared.
For more on how athletes manage pressure, explore our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:mental-resilience-in-olympic-athletes].
Why Quiet Backing Matters More Than Public Cheers
In an age of performative social media and public declarations, Kim and Garrett’s friendship stands out for its authenticity and privacy. There are no staged photos, no joint press tours—just two driven individuals supporting each other away from the spotlight.
“The real support happens off-camera,” Kim noted. And in a world that often reduces athletes to their results, that quiet backing can be the difference between burnout and brilliance.
Conclusion: The Power of Human Connection in Sport
As Chloe Kim prepares for her Chloe Kim Olympic comeback, her story reminds us that greatness isn’t forged in isolation. Behind every medal is a network of trust, and sometimes, that network includes an NFL star whose greatest assist isn’t on the field—but in the moments of doubt, fear, and hope that define the human side of sport.
In Garrett, Kim has found more than a friend; she’s found an anchor. And in a high-stakes world that demands perfection, that kind of support is truly priceless.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘I’m really lucky’: Chloe Kim praises Myles Garrett’s support
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) – Athlete365: https://www.olympic.org/athlete365
- ESPN Feature on Myles Garrett’s Off-Field Impact: Myles Garrett: More Than a Pass Rusher