England Rugby Star Ellie Kildunne Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia Struggle

England's rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne has shared her personal battle with body dysmorphia, which began during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Despite her impressive performance in the Rugby World Cup, where she scored five tries, including a stunning solo effort in the final against Canada, Kildunne struggled with feelings of isolation and an unhealthy obsession with weight loss. In a candid conversation with BBC Sport, she revealed how the lack of team environment and competitive rugby during the pandemic took a toll on her mental health, leading to the development of an eating disorder. Kildunne, who has recently released her autobiography 'Game Changer', explained how her perception of herself was distorted, making her see herself as bigger than she actually was. A turning point came when a physio session at her former club Wasps led to an honest conversation with lead physiotherapist Emily Ross, who became a vital support system for Kildunne. Now, she feels more in control and empowered to speak about her experiences, hoping to help others who may be struggling with similar issues. Kildunne aims to show that even as a successful rugby player, she is not immune to imperfections and wants to use her platform to provide support and relatability to those who need it.