For a 24-year-old American speed skater from Bucks County to have finally found his footing in the Olympics is a testament to the transformative power of mental health.
Growing up, Andrew Heo was thrust into the world of competitive speed skating by "peer pressure and boredom" at just six years old. While he initially didn't take to the sport with enthusiasm, Heo's natural talent eventually shone through under the guidance of his cousins' coaches. Over the years, however, he struggled with the intense competitiveness that defined his sport.
"It took me a while to truly enjoy it," Heo admits. "Competitiveness can bring out the worst in people. I lost a lot of friendships and relationships due to the competitive nature of the sport." His Christian faith anchored him during this challenging time, helping him find solace in enjoying the process rather than just focusing on results.
Heo's journey towards prioritizing mental health has been one of self-discovery and growth. The athlete credits his newfound awareness with helping him navigate the pressures of elite competition more effectively. "Mental health for me is a big part of what makes me a good skater," he says.
After years of sacrifices, including living out of their car as children, Heo's parents are finally able to see some peace on the horizon. His dedication to his craft has paid off with a World Tour gold medal in 11 years – an achievement that marked a major milestone for him and American speed skating.
This time around, Heo is more determined than ever to succeed at the Olympics. While winning medals will be an ultimate goal, he recognizes that there's always room for growth and improvement. As he embarks on his second Olympic journey, Heo hopes to inspire others with his story, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and finding one's own path in life.
"I have this image that I'm a lazy Olympian because for the longest time I did the bare minimum," Heo reflects. "But I hope to just give insight into being an athlete... We're also normal human beings. You don't have to be a stereotypical top-level athlete." With his mental clarity and focus intact, Heo is set to take on the world's best speed skaters in Milan.
Growing up, Andrew Heo was thrust into the world of competitive speed skating by "peer pressure and boredom" at just six years old. While he initially didn't take to the sport with enthusiasm, Heo's natural talent eventually shone through under the guidance of his cousins' coaches. Over the years, however, he struggled with the intense competitiveness that defined his sport.
"It took me a while to truly enjoy it," Heo admits. "Competitiveness can bring out the worst in people. I lost a lot of friendships and relationships due to the competitive nature of the sport." His Christian faith anchored him during this challenging time, helping him find solace in enjoying the process rather than just focusing on results.
Heo's journey towards prioritizing mental health has been one of self-discovery and growth. The athlete credits his newfound awareness with helping him navigate the pressures of elite competition more effectively. "Mental health for me is a big part of what makes me a good skater," he says.
After years of sacrifices, including living out of their car as children, Heo's parents are finally able to see some peace on the horizon. His dedication to his craft has paid off with a World Tour gold medal in 11 years – an achievement that marked a major milestone for him and American speed skating.
This time around, Heo is more determined than ever to succeed at the Olympics. While winning medals will be an ultimate goal, he recognizes that there's always room for growth and improvement. As he embarks on his second Olympic journey, Heo hopes to inspire others with his story, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and finding one's own path in life.
"I have this image that I'm a lazy Olympian because for the longest time I did the bare minimum," Heo reflects. "But I hope to just give insight into being an athlete... We're also normal human beings. You don't have to be a stereotypical top-level athlete." With his mental clarity and focus intact, Heo is set to take on the world's best speed skaters in Milan.
. I mean, he went from struggling with the competitive side of speed skating to finding solace in enjoying the process... it's like a total game-changer for athletes everywhere 
. And let's be real, mental health is SO important – we need more athletes speaking up about their struggles and how they overcame them 
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. We all know the pressure of being an elite athlete can be overwhelming, so it's awesome to see someone using their platform to talk about self-care and prioritizing mental health 
. Anyway, I'm hyped for Andrew Heo's chances at the Olympics – bring on that speed skating talent 
!
. And I'm loving how humble he is about it, saying he's not trying to be a "lazy Olympian" but rather just sharing his real experience with others. That's the kind of attitude we need more of! 
. I mean, sure, Andrew Heo's story sounds inspiring, but let's be real, he's still a competitive athlete who's been doing what comes naturally to him since age 6. Can't we just acknowledge that dedication and hard work have gotten him where he is without making it all about mental health? 
! It's amazing how far he's come, especially with all the struggles he faced growing up. I mean, who wouldn't feel lost and alone when you're 6 years old being forced into a sport? But for Heo, it was like he found his voice through mental health awareness 
. It's so inspiring to see him prioritize self-care and use it to fuel his success on the ice.
. He's not just talking about winning medals; he's sharing his vulnerability and wanting to help others find their own path. That's truly inspiring, you know? And let's be real, it's awesome that we're finally starting to talk more openly about mental health in the sports world 
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. But now, they can see some peace on the horizon, and it's beautiful 
I'm so hyped for him finally making it to the Olympics and showing everyone that mental health matters! It's not always easy to talk about, but he's using his platform to spread awareness and it's truly inspiring 
. And let me tell you, I love how humble he is too - saying that he doesn't want people to think he's a "lazy Olympian" because of all the sacrifices he made for this sport 
. The dude's got heart, and I'm rooting for him all the way! 
. His story is like, totally inspiring and shows us that mental health isn't something to be ashamed of, it's something we should all prioritize 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a World Tour gold medalist rocking a chill vibe on the ice 
? Heo's got this whole "being an athlete doesn't mean being perfect" thing down pat 
But it's amazing that he found his footing and prioritized his well-being. It's not just about winning medals, but also about being a healthy and happy person 
Let's give it up for Andrew Heo! 
But Heo's journey shows us that it's never too late to make changes and find our own path. And let's be real, his World Tour gold medal in 11 years is no joke 
), I can totally relate to the pressure of competition, but Heo's approach to prioritizing mental health is something we should all take note of 
... honestly, I'm not surprised he had mental health issues - competitive sports are basically a recipe for anxiety and burnout 
I'm sure he's been working super hard behind the scenes, but it's still impressive that he made it this far. 
We can prioritize our mental health too! 
That's a message that needs to spread, for sure. 
anyway im glad hes speaking out about it tho 
my friend's little cousin makes it from scratch and it's honestly the best thing since sliced bread 
It's just not exactly the most exciting thing to watch, if you ask me.
. It's amazing how sports can be both incredible and brutal at the same time. I love how he's all about prioritizing his mental well-being now and not just focusing on results - it's so refreshing to see athletes talking about their struggles with mental health. And can we talk about how proud his parents must be right now?