The Dark Side of Athletic Excellence: When Pushing Limits Becomes a Health Risk

The Olympics are synonymous with human excellence, where athletes push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of gold. However, what happens when the drive for victory overshadows the well-being of the individual? Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva’s story serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of athletic greatness can come at a steep cost.

Kiroi-Bogatyreva, a rhythmic gymnast who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and medalled at the Commonwealth Games, spent years sacrificing her health for a shot at making it to the top. She trained up to 10 hours a day, six days a week, often without proper nutrition. This intense regimen left her body unable to function properly, resulting in malnourishment and overtraining that rendered her incapable of menstruating.

A recent survey conducted by ABC Sport, in partnership with Deakin University, found that 75% of respondents experienced menstrual irregularities as athletes. Furthermore, the same number reported that their menstrual cycles were never considered when developing training programs. This normalization of menstrual dysfunction raises a disturbing question: are we valuing athletic success over the health and well-being of our female athletes?

Professional ironwoman Harriet Brown echoes this sentiment, stating that she didn’t remember anyone ever asking about her menstrual cycle during her 15-year career. “It was seen as you’re really fit if you don’t have your period,” she said. The lack of education and support for athletes on their periods is staggering. As one survey respondent put it: “There’s no consideration of support for athletes on their period, how to manage pain or recovery… Sometimes my pain is so bad I can barely walk yet I push through a training session, which isn’t helpful.”

The use of the contraceptive pill as a solution to menstrual irregularities is also problematic. While it may help some people, it can mask more serious issues like Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), where athletes are using up more calories than they’re taking in. RED-S can lead to tiredness, missed periods, and increased risk of injury and fertility problems.

The long-term health implications of ignoring menstrual irregularities cannot be overstated. Ro Nogueira, an anatomist at Bond University and exercise physiologist, warns that low energy availability highly influences bone health, making athletes more prone to osteoporosis in the future. Kiroi-Bogatyreva herself suffered multiple bone fractures throughout her career.

To change this culture of neglect, we must first acknowledge the impact that intense training and inadequate nutrition have on female athletes’ menstrual cycles. We need to educate coaches and trainers about the importance of considering menstrual health when developing training programs. Moreover, we should provide support for athletes who are struggling with menstrual irregularities – not just by putting them on the pill, but by addressing the underlying issues.

Ultimately, the pursuit of athletic excellence must never come at the cost of our physical and mental well-being. It’s time to rethink what we value in sport: is it really about winning gold, or is it about creating a healthy and sustainable environment for our athletes? The choice is ours.