A Bucks County native turned Olympic contender has credited his devotion to mental health with helping him overcome years of self-doubt and emotional turmoil that once threatened to derail his competitive career.
Andrew Heo, 24, is set to represent Team USA in the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics, having recently secured a World Tour gold medal in short-track speed skating. The milestone achievement marks a significant turning point for Heo, who had struggled with the intense pressure of competing at the highest level as a young athlete.
Heo's journey began when he was just six years old and reluctantly took up the sport due to "peer pressure and boredom." However, it wasn't until much later that he found his footing in the world of speed skating. Heo credits his Christian faith for helping him shift his focus from results-driven competitiveness to enjoying the process.
"Mental health has been a game-changer for me," Heo said. "It's taught me to prioritize self-care, manage my stress levels, and only concern myself with things that are within my control."
Heo's experiences as a young athlete were marked by struggles with anxiety, depression, and loss of friendships due to the intense competitive nature of the sport. However, after prioritizing his mental health and finding a supportive community, Heo began to thrive.
"The competitiveness can bring out the worst in people," he warned. "I lost a lot of friendships and relationships because of it. But I've learned that seeking help is okay, and it can make all the difference."
Heo's journey has been one of self-discovery and growth. After struggling with mental health issues for years, Heo has found a sense of purpose in using his platform to raise awareness about mental wellness.
"I want people to know that you don't have to be a stereotypical top-level athlete," he said. "Everybody's different, and it's okay to pave your own way. Stick to the work, and remember that you're not alone."
As Heo prepares for the Milano Cortina Olympics, he is focused on representing his country with pride. While a medal is his ultimate goal, he acknowledges that success means something different for each athlete.
"The ultimate goal is to medal, but at the end of the day, I'm proud of the progress I made," Heo said. "If it doesn't go the way I want it, it's probably not what's meant for me. That's just how I see everything and live my life."
Andrew Heo, 24, is set to represent Team USA in the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics, having recently secured a World Tour gold medal in short-track speed skating. The milestone achievement marks a significant turning point for Heo, who had struggled with the intense pressure of competing at the highest level as a young athlete.
Heo's journey began when he was just six years old and reluctantly took up the sport due to "peer pressure and boredom." However, it wasn't until much later that he found his footing in the world of speed skating. Heo credits his Christian faith for helping him shift his focus from results-driven competitiveness to enjoying the process.
"Mental health has been a game-changer for me," Heo said. "It's taught me to prioritize self-care, manage my stress levels, and only concern myself with things that are within my control."
Heo's experiences as a young athlete were marked by struggles with anxiety, depression, and loss of friendships due to the intense competitive nature of the sport. However, after prioritizing his mental health and finding a supportive community, Heo began to thrive.
"The competitiveness can bring out the worst in people," he warned. "I lost a lot of friendships and relationships because of it. But I've learned that seeking help is okay, and it can make all the difference."
Heo's journey has been one of self-discovery and growth. After struggling with mental health issues for years, Heo has found a sense of purpose in using his platform to raise awareness about mental wellness.
"I want people to know that you don't have to be a stereotypical top-level athlete," he said. "Everybody's different, and it's okay to pave your own way. Stick to the work, and remember that you're not alone."
As Heo prepares for the Milano Cortina Olympics, he is focused on representing his country with pride. While a medal is his ultimate goal, he acknowledges that success means something different for each athlete.
"The ultimate goal is to medal, but at the end of the day, I'm proud of the progress I made," Heo said. "If it doesn't go the way I want it, it's probably not what's meant for me. That's just how I see everything and live my life."
this guy is a total inspiration! i mean, he was so lost in the sport and struggled with mental health issues like anxiety & depression 
but instead of letting it bring him down, he found ways to cope & prioritize himself 
. his journey shows us that even top athletes can struggle, but seeking help is key & that you don't have to conform to societal expectations 
. i'm so hyped for him at the Milano Cortina Olympics 
and more importantly, he's using his platform to raise awareness about mental wellness 
. let's all take a page from Andrew Heo's book & be kinder to ourselves 
. It shows us that even the most high-pressure sports can have a dark side, but it doesn’t have to define you. I mean, mental health is such a huge thing now, especially for young athletes who are already under so much pressure to perform. It’s great to see someone speaking out about it and using their platform to raise awareness 
. And honestly, his message of not having to be a stereotypical top-level athlete is something that I think we can all relate to - sometimes you just have to find your own way and stick to what makes you happy 
.
especially in high-pressure situations like sports. And honestly, his story is like a beacon of hope for anyone who's struggled to find balance and prioritize their well-being 
Andrew Heo's story is so inspiring 
. His openness about mental health is a big deal, especially for young athletes who might feel pressure to put on a tough face 
. It's great that he's using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their well-being 
. The fact that he's focusing on progress over outcome is also super refreshing 
. Let's get behind him and support mental wellness initiatives 
!
. No more pretending everything is fine when it's not – it takes courage to talk about it 
! It's amazing that he's been able to turn his mental health struggles into a strength 
But seriously, it's super inspiring that he's using his platform to raise awareness about mental wellness 
. It's awesome that he's speaking out about it and using his platform to raise awareness 
. As someone who's been on this journey myself (not as a pro athlete lol 
), I can attest to how hard it is to prioritize self-care and managing stress levels. It's not always easy, but knowing you're not alone makes all the difference 
. We should all be like Heo, embracing vulnerability and taking care of our mental health instead of hiding behind perfectionism 
.
. Heo's story shows us that it's okay to not be a "typical" top-level athlete, and everyone should find their own path to success 
.
how brave of him to share his struggles with anxiety and depression... its like, people need to talk more about this stuff, you know? 
