At 24, James Guy, a decorated British swimmer, achieved remarkable success but sensed something amiss. Upon being diagnosed with ADHD, life started making sense for him. Now, at 28 and a double Olympic champion, Guy understands he’s not broken, just different. Neurodiversity, including ADHD, affects at least one in seven people in the UK.
Without a diagnosis, James Guy endured lasting challenges, despite finding relief through understanding later on. Recalling his struggles, he explains being placed in study support classes at 15 due to academic difficulties and feeling isolated among friends who teased him. Despite the school’s efforts, Guy believes resources for identifying ADHD were insufficient during his youth.
In his 20s, James Guy found his ADHD symptoms persisting beyond school, impacting daily life and sparking a quest for answers. Easily distracted and prone to divergent thinking, he struggled to stay focused even in conversations. However, with a diagnosis, Guy embraced swimming as a perfect outlet for his restless mind. With tailored support from British Swimming, he thrived in the pool, finding solace in the rhythm of swimming and the physicality of learning. Now, as he competes at the British Swimming Championships, Guy aims for his third consecutive Olympics with Team GB.
Through self-acceptance, James Guy, an Olympic gold medalist, harnesses ADHD traits to excel in swimming. However, he acknowledges the ongoing challenges, including health anxiety, common among adults with ADHD.
With support, he manages anxiety and emphasizes the importance of discussing neurodivergence and mental health openly. Supported by his family and fiancee, Guy navigates his journey with resilience and wishes for earlier awareness and acceptance of ADHD.
