Alaysha Johnson has never been one to hide behind medals or podiums. The American hurdler often uses her voice to shed light on the mental and emotional realities of being an athlete. From overcoming financial struggles to confronting personal battles, Johnson’s story is one of resilience beyond the track. And her latest message on X once again reminded fans that true strength often lies in simply showing up.

In a recent X post, Johnson wrote, “Nobody talks about how as an adult you still have to show up. Even in your lowest lows, even in depression, even in sadness,  insecurities and grief. You are still expected to show up. That is by far the hardest lesson in still learning.”

Her words echo the very essence of her journey. From a difficult childhood to a meteoric rise in track and field, Johnson has faced every stage of life with grit and self-awareness. She’s been open about her mental and physical struggles, including her battle with hypothyroidism, often reminding fans that even elite athletes fight invisible wars.

In a comment on X earlier this year, Johnson revealed, “I’ve been on levothyroxine since 2015 when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In college I had access to the best endocrinologists. As a pro. I don’t have access to a sports endo. so my doctor who isn’t sports related have really struggled in keeping me regulated throughout an entire season.” 

Johnson has spoken frequently of her struggles with hypothyroidism, even as recently at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships. But it’s not all bad. At Tokyo, she revealed that sometimes it gives her a “competitive edge,” when there are shorter rest times between races.

Never to shy away, Alaysha Johnson has often used X to be open and honest about her emotions. She once inspired her followers by stating that one has to go after everything they want in life and that desires cannot be fulfilled without trying at all. In another post, she wrote, “There is just no way I can fail at anything. All of it is just a lesson for the moment.”  

But if you’re wondering where her inner strength stems from, then it’s in no small part due to her experiences growing up.

Alaysha Johnson and the experiences that have shaped her

Alaysha Johnson has successfully transformed her life’s adversities into a runway for success. She was raised by a single mother and was separated from her siblings during childhood. And to keep her dreams alive, she had to face tremendous hurdles both on and off the track. Ryan Clark, in July 2024, revealed that Johnson had absolutely nothing when she came to the world of track. She had to wake up at three in the morning to train, even slept in her car, and performed her bartending duties till 2 am at Twin Peaks.

In Johnson’s case, her grit and hustle were learned through example. In an X post, Johnson once confessed, “I feel like my mama did what she had to do and that taught me what I have to do.” That mantra grounded her during trials—both athletic and personal—shaping her into the determined athlete who clinched a berth for Paris with a 12.31 s finish in the 100 m hurdles.

And under the spotlight in Eugene, Johnson didn’t just celebrate for herself. She celebrated for everyone who “looked like me that was ever doubted.” Borrowing spikes, borrowing hope, Johnson ran past her circumstances and into the national team. Her story now stands as testimony: background does not define destiny. But what do you think of her messages on X? Drop down to the comments down below and keep the conversation flowing.