ADHD Diagnosis Sparks Comeback for Scottish Hammer Thrower
Following a "life-changing" diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Scottish hammer thrower Chris Bennett is targeting the Commonwealth Games this summer in his hometown of Glasgow as the ideal conclusion to his athletic career after coming out of retirement.
At 36 years old, Bennett has positioned himself well for selection to the Games, having met the qualifying standard on three occasions.
Seeking his fourth Commonwealth appearance, Bennett returned to competition six months ago after a two-year hiatus, having initially retired in late 2023.
"I definitely needed a mental break," he explains. "I always suspected I had some form of neurodiverse condition just because of the way I think.
"I have always struggled with my mental health and sport has always been the place where that has reared its head. I would always think it was stress, anxiety or depression but it is just the way my brain deals with information."
Within a year of retiring, the 2016 Olympian was diagnosed with ADHD.
Understanding and Acceptance Through Diagnosis
Bennett reflects on the impact of his diagnosis:
"That was the first time I thought 'I now actually understand why I tick the way I tick'. It has been life-changing. It helps me understand why I think the way I do and helps me notice the red flags, before the massive red flags.
"I am more accepting of myself and I give myself a lot more credit now. Rather than being harsh and angry with myself after a competition for two or three weeks, I now allow myself an hour.
"I am quite fortunate. I am complaining about how far a metal ball goes - there are more things to life than that, so I am a lot more accepting of myself."
Philosophical Approach to Glasgow 2026
Bennett’s potential participation in Glasgow 2026 is notable given his recent return to the sport. He plans to adopt a philosophical mindset for the Games.
"I really don't care how I do and that sounds strange because the last three Commonwealth Games I have been like 'I want a medal, I want to do this, I want to throw this far'.
"Maybe that's actually why I am able to throw far at the minute because I just don't care. I compete on July 27 and when I get up on July 28, the world is still going to be the same."
Closing Career at Home
Having been drawn back to the sport for Glasgow, Bennett views competing at Scotstoun as the perfect setting to conclude his career.
"Not many people get to dictate the ending of their sporting career, but I do," he says. "I was born in Glasgow, I grew up two miles from Scotstoun, my first ever athletics competition was there... so to get to have my last ever event there in front of my friends and family and go out on my terms will be the perfect ending."
