England Rugby Star Ellie Kildunne Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia Struggle

England rugby star Ellie Kildunne has spoken out about her secret battle with body dysmorphia, which began during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Despite her impressive performance in the Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries, including a notable solo effort in the final against Canada, Kildunne struggled with feelings of isolation and disconnection from her body. In an interview with BBC Sport, she revealed her experiences with unhealthy weight loss and an eating disorder that developed during the pandemic. Kildunne explained that she would often see herself as bigger than she actually was, despite being considered small in the rugby world. A turning point came when she broke down in tears during a physio session with lead physiotherapist Emily Ross, who asked if she was okay. This conversation marked the beginning of Kildunne's journey towards recovery, with Ross becoming a source of support. Now, Kildunne feels more in control and is using her platform to raise awareness and help others who may be struggling with similar issues. She emphasizes that nobody is perfect, and even as a successful rugby player, she wants to show that she is relatable and human.