England's rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne has bravely shared her struggles with body dysmorphia, which began to take hold during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Following her impressive performance in the Rugby World Cup, where she scored five tries, including a stunning solo effort in the 33-13 win over Canada, Kildunne found herself feeling isolated and disconnected.
She has now spoken out about her experiences with unhealthy weight loss and eating disorders, which she developed during the pandemic when she was unable to play competitive rugby. Kildunne revealed that she would often see herself as bigger in the mirror, despite being considered small in the rugby world. She has credited a physio session at her former club, Wasps, with helping her to confront her issues and seek support.
With the help of lead physiotherapist Emily Ross, Kildunne has begun to rebuild her relationship with food and her body, and is now using her platform to raise awareness and help others who may be struggling with similar issues. She hopes to show that even those who appear to have it all together may be facing their own challenges, and to provide a supportive and relatable voice for those who need it.