England Rugby Star Ellie Kildunne Opens Up About Her Secret Struggle with Body Dysmorphia

England's rugby sensation Ellie Kildunne has bravely shared her personal battle with body dysmorphia, which began to take hold during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Following a remarkable performance in the Rugby World Cup, where she scored five tries, including a stunning solo effort in the final against Canada, Kildunne found herself feeling isolated and alone. In a candid conversation with BBC Sport, she revealed her struggles with unhealthy weight loss and an eating disorder that developed during the pandemic, when she was unable to play competitive rugby. Kildunne recounted how she became fixated on being smaller, despite already being petite, and how this obsession led to a toxic relationship with food. 'I was considered small in the rugby world, but outside of it, I felt big, and I never found a place where I felt like I belonged,' she explained. A turning point came during a physio session at her former club, Wasps, when lead physiotherapist Emily Ross expressed concern for Kildunne's well-being, prompting her to open up about her struggles. With Emily's support, Kildunne began to address her issues and has since gained a sense of control. She now feels empowered to speak out and help others who may be facing similar challenges, emphasizing that 'nobody's perfect' and that even as a successful rugby player, she is not immune to struggles.