Clara Hughes: How menopause "cracked me open"

 

Clara Hughes is the only athlete to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. But what the world didn't know was that as a child, she started smoking in grade 3 and by 12 years-old, she was drinking and partying. Why?

In "Learning to Breathe: A Memoir" she writes about how pain had become a badge of honour, and how as a former elite athlete, she felt menopause as "an extra betrayal".

She also shares some childhood secrets that were uncovered after she spent two years in intense and - what some could - consider as unconventional - therapy.

We spoke to her in a conversation recorded in front of a live audience at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Please listen with care.

Research Links:

Inside Olympian Clara Hughes's unexpected health crisis - and how it led her down an LSD rabbit hole: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/inside-olympian-clara-hughes-s-unexpected-health-crisis-and-how-it-led-her-down-an-lsd-rabbit-hole-edited/article_82c43a0b-3cbb-4a07-996b-c8ae16a955fc.html

Three Americans among seven to win medals at Winter and Summer Olympics: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/three-americans-among-seven-win-medals-winter-and-summer-olympics

Clara Hughes is done being hot and bothered: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-clara-hughes-learning-to-breathe-memoir-menopause

Got a question or comment? Email us at: mistreatedpodcast@tvo.org

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, visit any of the following resources for support: Canada.ca/mental-health Kids Help Phone Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.

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