Alcoholism And Athletics

Alcoholism And Athletics

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation between Coach Blu Robinson and former professional tennis player Sally Greer shines a light on the collision of elite sport, family trauma, mental health and a 30‑year battle with alcohol. Sally talks about going from Wimbledon centre courts to wondering if she was a fraud, describing how deep self-loathing and perfectionism sat behind her success.

Growing up with a perfectionist, alcoholic mother and intense sibling competition, her first obsession was tennis; alcohol simply became the next. She shares the moment it all shifted: losing a qualifying match for the US Open at 22 and taking her very first drink, despite years of fearing she’d “like it – and it would like me”. The episode doesn’t shy away from difficult territory.

Sally opens up about binge eating, body shaming in women’s sport, her sister’s death, and parenting through addiction and bipolar disorder. She’s painfully honest about feeling she “was not a good mother” and the heartbreak of her adult children choosing no contact – and how working the 12 steps forced her to face her part without excuses.

There’s also a powerful story of a planned suicide at a firing range that ended with her walking out alive because she didn’t want to harm the instructor standing beside her. From there, she describes detox, treatment, AA, and the slow work of building a life she actually wants to stay for.

Today, with over 14 years’ recovery, Sally channels her experience into 1 ON 1 Addictions Counseling for Athletes, exercises regularly, manages her bipolar disorder with discipline, and finds joy in a simple routine. Her message to any young woman who feels “less than”? “Just do it, because it really doesn’t matter what anybody thinks.

What matters is your happiness.” If you or someone you love feels trapped between sport, image and alcohol, could this be the story that nudges you towards asking for help?