Replying to Action sports athletes, with "learning disabilities"

so, the Windells academy update made me post this. I have a strong interest in psychology, and people in general I guess, and I have been thinking about this topic for a very long time. Im not sure how to go about this, but maybe im just looking for people to confirm what I have been thinking.

Mr. Hanley had said that the academy recognizes that many action sports athletes have learning disabilities. I agree. From what I have seen in my limited knowledge of pro athletes personal lives (trust me, im the number one hater on Wallisch threads), I feel like there really might be a common thread there. I have a few things that stand out in my mind. These athletes are so successful at what they do, simply because the dedication they have to their sport can border on obsession. Prime example, Michael Phelps. Two, this explains their risk-taking personalities (skiing being an easy example, Phelps' DD charge and partying even though his money depends on being clean cut and wholesome). I also feel, and this is personal so you can disagree if you please, but that many of these "ultra-dedicated" athletes use substances or ESPECIALLY their sport, to tame their minds. This is a tell tale sign of a learning disability (im making a wide grouping here).

Think about the prevalence of Marijuana in skiing (or Phelps again haha), or the need to ride or swim or whatever, to feel better (think of Travis Rice's voice-over in the last scene of That's It, That's All). TRice is a perfect example to me. Difficult child, one track mind, can only be pacified by snowboarding, always striving for something better, uber-successful.


anyhow, im not sure if i grouped my thoughts very well, but i wonder if anyone else has ever thought this, or agrees with me.