The Shocking Truth: Kyren Wilson Speaks Out About Hidden Struggles That Almost Derailed His Career
Kyren Wilson, a name synonymous with snooker excellence, has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most talented players. However, behind his successful career lies a story of hidden struggles, personal demons, and the mental and physical toll that almost derailed everything he worked so hard for. In an exclusive interview, Wilson opens up about the battles he faced and how they shaped both his game and his life.
Born in Kettering, England, Kyren Wilson showed promise as a snooker player from a young age. His early success was hard-won, as he battled against not just competition, but also the constant pressure to succeed. “From the beginning, it was always about trying to make it. There were so many sacrifices. I wasn’t just playing for myself; I was playing for my family, my friends, my supporters,” Wilson shares. Yet, with each win came a growing sense of expectation. The burden of success began to weigh heavily on him as he made his way through the ranks.
By the time he reached the professional circuit, his skills were undeniable, but the pressure to maintain top form was crushing. “The expectations are massive,” Wilson says. “And when you’re winning, people think it’s easy, but the internal struggles you face—people don’t see those.”
Behind his cool exterior, Kyren was fighting a battle with his mental health that few knew about. The high stakes of professional snooker, constant travel, and long hours in front of crowds took a toll on his mental wellbeing. “There were times when I felt completely overwhelmed. The anxiety kept me up at night, and the stress of constantly being in the spotlight made it hard to just be myself,” he admits.
Wilson’s battle with mental health worsened over time, with feelings of depression creeping in. The loneliness of the road and the pressure to win sometimes felt unbearable. “I would go through periods where I just didn’t want to play anymore,” he recalls. “It felt like I wasn’t doing it for myself anymore, but for everyone else.”
Despite these struggles, Kyren maintained a facade of calm and composure in public, something that many athletes do when faced with similar issues. “It was the mask I wore. People expect you to be strong, to be on top of your game all the time,” Wilson says. “But inside, I was crumbling.”
During the darkest moments of his mental health challenges, Wilson found solace in his snooker cue. But this “escape” came with its own set of problems. “At some point, it wasn’t about playing snooker for enjoyment anymore; it became an addiction,” he admits. “I would immerse myself in the game to avoid dealing with the emotions I was feeling.”
The pressure to win at all costs led to long hours practicing, sometimes at the expense of his physical and mental health. His drive to be perfect in every frame became a way to cope with the demons in his mind. The harder he worked, the more he pushed himself to the brink.
“The fear of losing was consuming,” Wilson explains. “I couldn’t let go. Every loss felt like a personal failure, and I took it so much harder than I should have.”
It wasn’t just his mental health that took a hit—Kyren also struggled with physical injuries that seemed to compound his struggles. Chronic pain from hours of playing and training, coupled with the mental strain of professional snooker, led to a series of injuries. “The physical toll started to show, especially on my back and shoulders. It affected my game, but more importantly, it drained me mentally,” Wilson says.
In snooker, precision and stamina are key, and the constant discomfort made it difficult for Kyren to perform at his best. “It felt like my body was betraying me when I needed it most,” he admits. This physical pain, combined with his mental struggles, created a perfect storm that threatened to derail his career.
For a long time, Kyren struggled in silence, afraid to show any vulnerability. But eventually, the weight of his challenges became too much to bear. He sought therapy and began to prioritize his mental and physical health. “It took me a long time to admit that I couldn’t do it alone. I needed help, and asking for it was one of the hardest decisions I ever made,” he confesses.
With professional help, Wilson started to rebuild his life. He focused on therapy, not just for his mental health, but also to develop healthier coping mechanisms. “I learned to let go of the perfectionism. It was exhausting to try to be flawless all the time,” he says. “I started putting myself first for the first time in years.”
Kyren’s comeback is a testament to his resilience. Over time, he developed a healthier approach to snooker, one that prioritized balance rather than relentless ambition. He started taking better care of his body, seeking out physical therapy for his injuries and managing his workload more effectively.
“Instead of trying to be the best every single time, I focused on improving, not being perfect. It was a mindset shift that changed everything,” Wilson explains. With a renewed sense of self, he regained his confidence and was able to perform at a high level again.
Today, Wilson is a stronger, more grounded athlete. His recovery hasn’t been easy, but the lessons he’s learned have shaped both his career and his outlook on life. “I’ve had my share of struggles, but those challenges have made me who I am today,” he says. “I now understand the importance of mental health and self-care. It’s about enjoying the journey, not just focusing on the destination.”
Kyren Wilson’s story is one of triumph, not just on the snooker table, but in his personal battle against the pressures and struggles that came with fame. His openness about his mental health and the difficulties he faced serves as an important reminder that even the strongest athletes have their moments of doubt and fear. Today, Kyren continues to inspire, not just with his skill, but with his resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.
Through the darkness, Wilson has emerged stronger than ever, a reminder that the true strength of a champion is not just measured in titles, but in overcoming the battles we fight within ourselves.
