Olympic Swimmers and Eating Disorders
Posted on: August 23rd, 2016
We all look up to Olympians. They are the embodiment of excellence – striving to be the best and win medals and national pride for their native countries. Some people might assume their lives are near perfect, but a closer look reminds us that Olympians are not superhuman; they experience many of the challenges we all face. Recently, several U.S. Olympic women swimmers went public about their struggles with body image and eating disorders. I commend them for having the courage to reveal this side of themselves. Instead of opting for the squeaky-clean public image, they shared real-life painful experiences, because they simply wanted to help others going through similar issues.
It’s important to note that most athletes are vulnerable to developing body image issues and eating disorders, but female swimmers are at a greater risk. The media bombards us all with photoshopped images, pressuring us to meet unrealistic beauty ideals, but how many of us are wearing bathing suits on a daily basis? Imagine feeling that your body has to be perfect and then exposing yourself in a bathing suit regularly. Now factor in the immense pressure to perform at the highest level possible and win. The fact that these women are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder or body image issue makes perfect sense.
U.S. Olympic swimmers Misty Hyman, Maya DiRado and Amanda Beard opened up about their experiences. Hyman’s 10-year battle with bulimia began when she was a senior in high school. She told USA Today how she felt at the time. “It wasn’t strictly just a body image issue,” she said. “Part of it was my own insecurities; part of it was my own control, the sense of being in control or something I could control.” She added, “As an athlete I think there were other emotional challenges that I manifested into my eating disorder as a way of coping.”
Maya DiRado’s battle with an eating disorder shaped a similar viewpoint, “I’m sure a lot of it has to do with being in a swimsuit every day, but I think also it seems like you want control.” DiRado went on to say that the problem was quite common among her teammates – she knew several that were struggling with eating disorders.
Amanda Beard’s 12-year bout with bulimia had a profound impact on her life. So much so that today she takes time to visit colleges and share her experiences and insights. “I hope that people can listen to my story and see that I was able to overcome it and still achieve great things,” she told a group of students. Misty Hyman says a psychological shift needed to occur before she was able to overcome her disorder. She described finally getting to a place where she was able to appreciate her body for what it is, and find healthy outlets for her desire for control. In regard to her athletic body, Hyman explained, “Now I see that as something that’s beautiful and strong, and I celebrate that.”
If you think you or a loved one may have body images issues or an eating disorder, take it seriously and seek professional help immediately. Left untreated, these issues usually get worse and can progress to a point where they become life threatening. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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