Norfolk sprinter raising awareness on how periods can affect professional athletes
She says sports governing bodies need to do more to support athletes on their period
A Norfolk sprinter is calling on sport governing bodies to provide more support to athletes on their periods.
Back in February, 24 year old Ellie Brandy competed in the British Championships, racing in the 60 metres and the 200 metres races.
After competing, she posted a Twitter thread sharing how she came on her period a day before the championships - all in a bid to open up a conversation around periods in professional sports.
Her tweets read: "Athletes face mental and physical challenges at the highest level, and being on your period can intensify these and add a layer of complexity-from slower reaction times, to crampy hamstrings, heavy and shaky legs, to negative thoughts, to hormonal changes, just to name a few…
"Things can feel more difficult and it’s harder to achieve your desired outcome when your body won’t give you what it’s capable of.
"For many sports this is still a taboo. Research is increasing and the topic is becoming more of a discussion, but athletes should be encouraged to speak about their experiences and be supported and celebrated for their achievements despite periods.
"Well done to all athletes for putting themselves on the line, it was great to be among the best sprinters in the UK and come out 8th in the 200m and 15th in the 60m."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Norfolk, she revealed that her period has previously prevented her from running at her optimum ability:
"In my heat there was a false start. Where I'd normally be able to control my emotions and heartbeat, it went through the roof. How do you make sure you control your heart beat while your on your period?
"In terms of improving athletes, providing support would improve our performance and wellbeing."
She added: "The research has suggested a decrease in strength, performance, output and reaction time, so how can we improve this? If you have a major championships and you're on your period how do you stop your body reacting slower or your legs from giving way?"
Making a change
Ellie believes the only way to solve the issue is for governing bodies to raise awareness and offer the requisite support: "I think governing bodies can help out massively. They can put out promotional videos or provide workshops, inviting athletes and coaches to come along and get them talking and building a rapport with one another.
"Get them speaking about how it can impact us and trade tips on how to manage it."