Canadian Olympian Clara Hughes Shares Personal Journey in New Memoir
Canadian cycling and speed skating legend Clara Hughes has released a new memoir titled “Learning to Breathe.” The book offers an honest look at the athlete’s life after her competitive career, focusing on her personal struggles and her path toward mental wellness.
In the memoir, Hughes discusses her experience with menopause, a topic that is often not talked about openly in sports. She explains how this physical transition affected her mental health and led her to seek new ways to heal from long-buried trauma.
One of the most notable parts of the book is her experience with psychedelic therapy. Hughes describes how this unconventional treatment helped her process difficult memories and find a sense of peace. She emphasizes that she had to “go hard” to face these challenges, showing the same determination she once used to win Olympic medals.
By sharing her story, Hughes hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health and the medical treatments used to address it. Her memoir serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes face deep personal obstacles long after they leave the podium.
“Learning to Breathe” is now available for readers across Canada. It provides a raw and inspiring perspective on the importance of prioritizing mental health and the courage required to seek help.