Jimmy White, the legendary snooker player, recently opened up about his life-changing diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), reflecting on how it has impacted his career and personal challenges. During his interview with fellow snooker icon Stephen Hendry on the Cue Tips podcast, White revealed this diagnosis came about two years ago and has drastically altered his life.
White, affectionately known as 'The Whirlwind,' has had a storied career since going professional in 1980. Despite his remarkable achievements, including two major tournament wins, he expressed regret over not knowing about his condition earlier. "I got diagnosed with ADHD about two years ago, 18 months, two years ago," he shared. "I've had to work. With ADHD, you think about 15 things at once. So I'm now down to sort of like normal. I have to be medicated and all of this. It's completely changed my life." This stark reflection reveals the mental turmoil he navigated during high-pressure matches, which contributed to erratic performances.
ADHD, according to the NHS, is characterized by impulsivity and difficulty focusing and can lead to significant challenges, especially under pressure. White elaborated on how this condition affected his play: "When you're under pressure, all these things were going through my mind, and all of a sudden, I'm starting to miss everything. The pockets are closing up as I'm hitting them, and the balls are getting like footballs. That for me now, if I'd known what I had, I'd have been able to refocus much sooner. That was a big thing." His candidness highlights the often invisible struggles faced by those with ADHD, especially in competitive sports.
Throughout his career, White has battled various addictions, including significant struggles with alcohol and drugs. He openly discussed his early addiction to crack cocaine, emphasizing how detrimental it was to his finances and wellbeing.
"Cocaine was absolutely everywhere. It was like the devil’s dandruff, but crack – it’s evil. I tried smoking it and got completely addicted. I drained £35,000 from my account on crack," he revealed during Louis Theroux's documentary Gods of Snooker. These admissions not only spotlight his resilience but also the hurdles he overcame to get sober after 15 years of battling these addictions. "I don’t miss this life at all," he stated firmly.
Despite his challenging past, White remains ranked among the world's top 100 snooker players. Currently, he is working with former world champion Peter Ebdon, attempting to return to the basics of the game and improve his skills. He expressed hope for his future performance and noted, "I think some players have got this ADHD. That's why I'm trying to work with Ebdon." This turning point signifies not only his commitment to snooker but also to coping with his condition effectively.
Recently, the snooker community has been abuzz with discussions about relocating the World Snooker Championship from its traditional home at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. Prominent figures like Barry Hearn have suggested potential moves to high-profile locales like Saudi Arabia. White, staunchly traditional, voiced strong opposition against such plans, arguing, "The world championships should never go there because it doesn't matter how much money you've got. It’s iconic." He reminisced about the significance of Sheffield for the sport and championed the need to preserve its heritage.
Looking forward, White remains optimistic about his future and the future of snooker. He’s not only addressing his ADHD but is also actively involved with the sport he loves. By fostering discussions around mental health and treatment, he aims to inspire others who face similar challenges. White is a powerful voice for change, aiming to illuminate the paths of those grappling with disabilities like ADHD. By sharing his struggles and triumphs, he not only contributes to the sport but also to broader societal conversations.
This candid discourse from one of snooker’s most beloved figures emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness within competitive sports. White's story is not solely one of pain and addiction but also of recovery, resilience, and the drive to excel against all odds. For fans and fellow players alike, his bravery to confront these topics head-on serves as inspiration to face their battles, and it reminds us all of the human dimensions underlying competitive success.