Two weeks ago, Engla Nilsson told the podcast "Track and Talk" that she had suffered from an eating disorder.
Nilsson lost twelve kilos - and ended her indoor season early in February.
"I broke down my muscles. It was too much mentally, too much thinking, and my body couldn't handle it anymore," Nilsson said.
Former high jump star Kajsa Bergqvist realized the problem and raised the alarm.
"The European Indoor Championships was her big breakthrough (she won bronze). Then she lost weight for the summer. It's something most people do during a competition season, that you might want to lose a few kilos," Bergqvist told TT and continued:
"Then it's important when you enter a training season that you put on a few pounds again so that you can absorb the training. She, however, continued to lose weight."
“Very worried”
Kajsa Bergqvist discovered the weight loss when the two met at the Athletics Gala and the Sports Gala in January.
"Just by looking at her, I saw that she had dropped even further from the level she was at in September when we had last seen each other in person - and that made me very worried."
Bergqvist contacted the national team doctor.
"Model"
Bergqvist believes that eating disorders, in various ways, are quite common - and praises Nilsson for daring to talk about her situation:
"It can be hard to reach out. There may be those who want to help, but somehow you have to realize for yourself that you really need help and are receptive to it - and that is easier said than done for many."
"But I think Engla shows even more what a role model she is. The fact that she goes out and talks about it, I think, was really strong and nice of her," Bergqvist said.
Louise Ekman, a national team colleague in high jump, also paid tribute to Engla Nilsson:
"I am very proud of her for coming out and talking about it - and highlighting the very problem that still exists," Ekman said.
Engla Nilsson has approved Kajsa Bergqvist's talk on the topic.
Today, she is back at a healthy weight and exercising.
Engla Nilsson has chosen to decline an interview with TT.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you have an eating disorder. It is important to get a proper evaluation to get the right help. Sometimes there can be physical illnesses that cause symptoms similar to eating disorders.
Under 18 years: If you are under 18, you can contact a youth clinic, student health services or child and adolescent psychiatry (BUP).
Over 18 years: If you are 18 or older, you can book an appointment at a health center, psychiatric clinic or with occupational health services if you work. If you are 20–25 years old, you can also contact a youth clinic. The age limit varies between different youth clinics.
Source: 1177.se.
