2016 Olympic gold medalist Tom Shields went into detail about the mental health difficulties he's experienced in the past. Archive photo via Jack Spitser/Spitser Photography
American Olympian Tom Shieldshas revealed that just over one year ago he attempted suicide in a recent Instagram post.
In the post, Shields explains what led him up to the point, how seeking professional help has positively impacted him over the last year, and thanks all of the people who have supported him. Check out the full post below (profanity alert):
The now 28-year-old wrote that he tried to hang himself before his wife gave him a call and distracted him until arriving home.
A multi-time NCAA champion with the Cal Golden Bears, Shields has gone on to lead a successful professional career that includes a berth on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team where he won a gold medal in the men’s 4×100 medley relay.
This past summer, the two-time SC World Champion won a pair of gold medals at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and followed that up with a very successful performance in the inaugural season of the International Swimming League competing for the LA Current. He won 3 races in the opening ISL season, and finished 11th in the season-long MVP scoring.
If you or someone you know has had suicidal thoughts or exhibited any of the warning signs, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website here (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) if you’re in the US.
It takes a lot of introspection to be able to realize that the way you talk to yourself can be harmful, and a lot of courage to come out and tell people about it, especially on this public of a setting. Proud of you Tom
He’s always been & always will be one of my favorite people in the sport. This hits like a hurricane. Reminds us all to be the ones trying to let the light in a bit more.
A CAR
1 year ago
Reading this broke my heart. I’m glad he shared it with the swimming community so we can rally and support him in and out of the pool. I wish him only the best.
James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism.
Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …
It takes a lot of introspection to be able to realize that the way you talk to yourself can be harmful, and a lot of courage to come out and tell people about it, especially on this public of a setting. Proud of you Tom
He’s always been & always will be one of my favorite people in the sport. This hits like a hurricane. Reminds us all to be the ones trying to let the light in a bit more.
Reading this broke my heart. I’m glad he shared it with the swimming community so we can rally and support him in and out of the pool. I wish him only the best.
Yeah, that is the hardest thing not living up to exceptions for yourself. . He has a wife and family that loves him.
This instagram post is going to help people. Thanks for writing it Tom. A lot of people have loved watching you compete over the years.
Agreed. I am convinced every video like this helps and or saves countless lives. Major props to Shields