Skip to content

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my…

“I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA. I refused to accept it - and I hid it from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem didn't make it go away.” quote by Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Download Open image
“I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA. I refused to accept it - and I hid it from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem didn't make it go away.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Denial of a health condition and hiding it from teammates prevents proper care and can worsen outcomes.

In simple terms: Hiding asthma worsened health.

Key Takeaway

Seek help early, be honest.

Themes

health denial team dynamics

Mood

empathetic motivational

Type

sports health

When to use this quote

  • medical check‑ups
  • coach communication
  • mental health awareness

Key Concepts

chronic illness stigma self‑care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does denial affect performance?
  • What support systems can reduce stigma?
A Different Perspective

Stigma may discourage athletes from seeking help.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Explore all 67 Jackie Joyner-Kersee quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes