England's rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne has bravely shared her personal struggle with body dysmorphia, which began to take hold during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Kildunne, a key player in England's 2023 Rugby World Cup victory, scoring five tries, including a standout solo effort in the final against Canada, has spoken out about feeling isolated after the World Cup high. In a recent interview, she discussed her experiences with unhealthy weight loss and the eating disorder she developed during the pandemic, when she was unable to participate in competitive rugby. Kildunne recalled, 'I could see myself getting smaller, but I was still trying to be even smaller.' She explained that being away from her team environment and physios made her relationship with food worse, leading to body dysmorphia.
'It seems silly now, but I would look in the mirror and see myself as bigger, even though I was small.' A physio session at her former club, Wasps, marked a turning point for Kildunne, as lead physiotherapist Emily Ross expressed concern for her well-being, prompting Kildunne to open up about her struggles. With Emily's support, Kildunne began to address her issues and now feels more in control. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others who may be facing similar challenges, showing that even successful athletes like herself are not immune to struggles and that it's okay to ask for help.