Three-time Olympic athlete Suzy Favor Hamilton is now opening up for the first time about her tumultuous journey. Once celebrated as a U.S. Olympian, Favor Hamilton shares her struggle with bipolar disorder, revealing the shocking double life she led as a track star by day and a high-priced Vegas escort by night.
In her memoir, “Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running From Madness,” the 47-year-old details her misdiagnosis and the incorrect medication that exacerbated her symptoms. Hamilton emphasizes that her actions weren’t a reflection of herself but rather a consequence of the disease, combating the overwhelming feeling of shame.
The scandal erupted in 2012 when Hamilton’s secret life as the Vegas call girl “Kelly Lundy” was exposed. She attributes her plunge into escort work to being on medication that made her hypersexual. Despite being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Hamilton struggled with anxiety and self-doubt throughout her life, even during her college years as a decorated runner.
A turning point occurred during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games when Hamilton deliberately fell during a race, marking the beginning of a downward spiral. After giving birth to her daughter, Kylie, Hamilton’s behavior became erratic, leading to a misdiagnosis and the prescription of antidepressants.
Hamilton’s marriage strained, she persuaded her husband to spice up their lives with unconventional experiences, eventually leading to her solo trips to Vegas and the initiation of her escort work. Under the pseudonym “Kelly Lundy,” she charged $600 an hour, enjoying the thrill and high-risk lifestyle while keeping her secret identity hidden.
The revelation of her double life in 2012 resulted in national headlines and hate mail. In the midst of the chaos, Hamilton’s husband discovered her bipolar disorder, explaining the erratic behavior. Years of therapy, medication, and determination followed, allowing Hamilton to move past the tumultuous period.
Despite the struggles, Hamilton differentiates between the impact of her mental illness and personal responsibility. She keeps reminders of her past life, acknowledging the journey to self-acceptance and overcoming shame.
This source is from ABC News (abcnews.go.com).
