Former Olympian used ADHD to his advantage

With the spotlight on Canadian Olympians on the podium, one former gold medallist is using the attention to highlight the upside of a stigmatized disorder — ADHD.

“I found that the disorder isn’t negative infliction but it gives positive energy as well,” said Adam Kreek, who reached his pinnacle in men's eight rowing at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was six — he is only now speaking out about the condition for the first time.

Kreek said he learned to channel his energy through the rowing when he was teenager.

“Anyone with ADHD can train their mind to control the incredible energy people with ADHD have,” said Kreek, who describes himself as a high energy child who had trouble concentrating. “I found rowing to be an outlet to control my ADHD."


http://www.torontosun.com/life/healthandfitness/2010/02/19/12948646.html