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Maya Valmon🧚🏾‍♀️

@maya.valmon

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alumna @stanford @maryland.tfxc

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Long overdue but it took me a minute to get my thoughts together. I'm proud to end my first indoor season an NCAA Champion, All American, and School Record Holder! 2 years ago I was watching Nationals at home wondering if I'd ever be there. A year ago I was in a boot watching from my dorm room. I feel so blessed I got to compete alongside the best teammates in the world. While this is a post of celebration, it's also one of reflection. I'm normally pretty private about mental health, but I'm learning that vulnerability is part of healing, and maybe someone else needs to hear this too.

For the past 10 years I've had this unshakeable feeling of never being enough. I feel it more strongly in some moments than in others, but it's always there somewhere, even on my days of greatest success. I'm still sorting out why, but I've been questioning my worth for a long time. Perfectionism became my way of coping. I derived my entire sense of worth from my accomplishments, and I equated any imperfection with failure. The only voice in my head was a critical one. No decision, interaction or feeling I had in a day was ever the right one. I was consumed by anxiety, but my achievements convinced me that this was the best way to live. The harder I am on myself, the closer I'll be to perfect. Only then will I be enough.

The past 6 months have taught me a lot. Anxiety gave way to depression and suddenly the simplest tasks felt impossible. The pressure I put on myself was exhausting, isolating and paralyzing. Nothing felt worth doing. Many days I barely got out of bed. 5 days before Nationals I was questioning how much longer I could live like this. When everyone around you seems like they have it all together, it's hard to admit that you don't. I got good at pretending, and I'm sure many other people are too. You don’t have to.

Vulnerability is hard. I'm still getting used to it. But being honest with myself and my support system has been crucial. I'm in therapy. I'm on medication. And most importantly, I'm learning. To ask for and accept help. To practice self-compassion. To take care of myself. To find my joy again. We'll keep working at it. I'm here if anyone wants to talk🤍 by @maya.valmon

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4 years ago

had to come back and make it official! @stanfordhumbio has my heart forever 🫶🏾 taken in Stanford University by @maya.valmon

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a year ago

El Dorado won’t be the same without its queen ❤️ Never enough but so very grateful for the time I had with you. A mi querida tía Celine, one of the most vibrant, strong-willed, witty people I have ever known: thank you for making sure I knew where I come from. Thank you for caring for every child like your own. Thank you for teaching me how to be resilient in this life. Que descanses en la paz del Señor 🕊️ taken in Panama City, Panama by @maya.valmon

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3 months ago

said n done! #spring taken in University of Maryland by @maya.valmon

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4 months ago

VALMON CONNECTION ON THE TRACK

Longtime Maryland Track & Field head coach Andrew Valmon has a prized graduate transfer sprinter on his team… his daughter Maya Valmon.

Thanks to both Maya and Andrew for their time for this story! by @maya.valmon

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5 months ago

from the vault by @maya.valmon

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5 months ago

Finding that love for your sport is always refreshing and that’s exactly what Maya Valmon did leading up to her 400m race this weekend (51.04). Her consistency has lead to breakthrough! I loved watching your excitement this weekend Maya.

#FloridaRelays #trackandfield #Gainesville #trackandfield #400m taken in Florida Relays by @maya.valmon

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6 months ago

Full circle 🤍

It’s hard for me to describe just how special it’s been for me to come home and run for my dad. He got this job a year after I was born. I grew up on this campus playing at the track, cheering on his team, and drawing on the whiteboards in his office. I watched my brother put on the uniform first, and then I finally became part of the Maryland Track family myself. To create my own legacy here has meant everything.

College track has thrown a LOT at me but it’s been good character development 😂 I know it’s all part of the journey. For these last 2 years as a Terp, and for my 3 years at Stanford: grateful ain’t even the word ❤️

New era unlocked :)

📸 Thank you @austindesisto and Mr. Turk for all the photos over the last 2 years! taken in University of Maryland by @maya.valmon

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6 months ago

@maya.valmon earns five points and places fourth overall in the 400 meter final at a time of 52.86 seconds. 🐢🔥 by @maya.valmon

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7 months ago

Headed for Indy 📍 by @maya.valmon

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7 months ago

🚨NEW RECORD🚨

Maya Valmon sets a new school record in the 300m with a time of 37.29!!! by @maya.valmon

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8 months ago

5th year 😁 taken in University of Maryland by @maya.valmon

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9 months ago