IM World Championships
Last October at Ironman World Championships, Chelsea Sodaro won over the hearts of triathletes by becoming the first American woman to win the iconic race. Being 18 months post-partum, she instantly inspired moms everywhere. Clearly, Chelsea’s athletic ability is impressive, however, her candidness in discussing her mental health struggles demonstrates a strength that should equally inspire.
In Kona, Chelsea was the fast woman about to turn down Palani and cruise to the finish line. She had nine minutes on the next competitor. Meanwhile, I was headed out to face the Queen K. Often, we look at pro athletes as if they are different than us. We imagine them as having lives free from the struggles we experience. I was guilty of that as I entered the energy lab. I thought about how amazing it would be to win this beast of a race. Obviously, I believed it was much easier for Chelsea. She has sponsors, the freedom to spend months training in Hawaii, and people to help manage the minutiae of life, right? Imagine my surprise, a few weeks post-race when she started to do the interview circuit and bared her soul.
Post Kona
My respect for her grew quickly. I began to see her as a real human, mom, and woman like the rest of us. I cried watching her discuss how her mind was more of a limiter than her body. It’s easy to forget that the human experience affects us all. No one escapes doubt, fear, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, or any of the endless emotions that are part of being alive. Crossing the finish line of the world’s biggest triathlon, in first place, doesn’t fix it, remove it, or allow you to live outside it. What a relief! We aren’t alone.
Entering 2023
It’s been a couple of months and Chelsea continues to be open about how her life has changed since winning in Kona. In a recent article, she revealed that after winning the biggest race in triathlon, she struggled with crippling anxiety. The same strong woman who won the hardest IM race had a difficult time going to the grocery store.
She has since been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her family has been instrumental in getting her the help she needs. The one thing that resonated with her, was the explanation that her brain had an injury. It needed recovery and rehab like any other body part would. While it is hard to see our “heroes,” look anything but heroic and strong, I find Chelsea’s bravery to be her greatest strength. I listen to her words, see the tears in her eyes, and feel waves of gratitude.
Thank you
Thank you, Chelsea. Thank you for speaking the words so many can’t say. Thank you for sharing the feelings that paralyze others. Thank you for boldly and bravely preparing yourself to stand on another start line next weekend knowing that we all know what many keep secret. Your win in Kona was historic. I believe you are just getting started, but I hope your legacy is that you help people bring their darkness into the light. When one acts bravely permission is given to others to follow. Today you are the one.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or feelings that you simply can’t shake or don’t understand, you are not alone. That isn’t a slogan or a sticker on someone’s car. We are human. Life is sometimes very hard. Chanel your inner Chelsea and speak the words. I will call you brave and be grateful for you.
