Gracie Gold Goes Beyond the Medals in Memoir
Gracie Gold is a two-time U.S. figure skating champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. She holds the record for the highest short program score ever recorded by an American woman.
Her memoir Out of Shape Worthless Loser reveals her struggles with an eating disorder, depression, and her stressful career.
Gracie Enters the World Stage
When Gold stepped onto center ice as America’s sweetheart at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, she instantly became the face of America’s most beloved winter sport. Beautiful, blonde, Midwestern, and media-trained, she was suddenly being written up everywhere from The New Yorker to Teen Vogue to People and baking cookies with Taylor Swift.
Behind the Scenes
Beyond what the public saw in the press, Gold was battling her own self-destructive voice inside that she calls Out of Shape Worthless Loser. In 2017, she entered treatment for what was publicly announced as an eating disorder and anxiety treatment but was suicidal ideation.
While Gold’s public star was on the rise, her personal life was unraveling—family tensions deepened, her struggle with bulimia worsened, and she became a survivor of sexual assault.”
The pressure of training for years with demanding coaches and growing up in a household that accepted nothing less than gold had finally taken its toll.
Significance of Sharing Her Story
Gold’s book highlights the importance of addressing mental health struggles, particularly within the high-pressure world of elite sports. By sharing her deeply personal story of battling depression, an eating disorder, and suicidal thoughts, Gold is helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in competitive environments. Her openness allows others, especially young athletes, to recognize that mental health issues can affect anyone, even those who appear to be at the top of their game. Her memoir captures elements of her experiences with mental health, personal struggles, and the perseverance she’s demonstrated both on and off the ice.
Hidden Struggles of Athletes
Gold’s book sheds light on the often-hidden challenges athletes face beyond the rink. It offers insight into the relentless pursuit of perfection and the impact this has on mental and physical well-being. By publicly discussing her journey toward healing, Gold encourages conversations about resilience, recovery, and the importance of seeking help.
Breaking the Stigma
Many people, especially athletes, often feel pressure to maintain a façade of strength and perfection. When high-profile athletes openly discuss their struggles, whether it’s with mental health, injuries, or personal challenges, it helps break the stigma surrounding these issues. Their stories validate the experiences of others who may be suffering in silence and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Athletes sharing their challenges publicly humanize themselves and inspire others to keep pushing through difficult times. Hearing how someone successfully overcame adversity can motivate people to confront their own struggles and feel less alone in the process.
Raising Awareness
Athletes have a broad platform and can reach a wide audience. When they share their personal struggles, they raise awareness about important issues like mental health, body image, addiction, or grief. By Gold sharing her story, she is helping others and encouraging increased public discussion, better understanding, and even policy changes within sports organizations regarding mental health support.
