England rugby star Ellie Kildunne has spoken out about her hidden struggle with body dysmorphia, which began during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Despite her impressive performance in the Rugby World Cup, including scoring five tries, Kildunne revealed that she felt isolated and alone after the tournament. She has now spoken about her unhealthy weight loss and eating disorder that developed during the pandemic, when she was unable to play competitive rugby.
Kildunne explained that she would see herself as bigger in the mirror, even when she was small, and that she had a terrible relationship with food. A physio session at her previous club, Wasps, brought the issue to a head, and with the support of her physiotherapist, Emily Ross, Kildunne was able to confront her problems. She now feels in control and wants to use her platform to help others who may be going through similar struggles, showing that even successful athletes like herself can face difficulties and imperfections.