World Cup Winner Ellie Kildunne Opens Up on Recovery

The player who dazzled a sold-out Twickenham with a solo try in England's World Cup final is proving that champions face battles off the field too.

Ellie Kildunne, crowned World Player of the Year in 2024, recently opened up about her struggle with body dysmorphia during the coronavirus lockdown. The 26-year-old rugby star developed disordered eating patterns while training alone, away from her team's support system.

"I could probably see myself getting a little bit smaller, but then was still trying to chase being smaller on top of that," Kildunne told BBC Sport. The isolation of the pandemic removed the daily check-ins with physios and teammates who might have noticed the warning signs earlier.

The Harlequins full-back described feeling caught between two worlds. In rugby, coaches wanted her strong and powerful, but outside the sport, she felt pressure to be smaller.

"In the rugby world, I'm considered small, but in my world outside rugby, I was considered big," she explained. "I never really had that place where I felt comfortable, that I fit in."

The turning point came during a conversation with England physio Emily Ross. Kildunne broke down in tears and finally admitted she needed help.

"I knew I had a problem but I never wanted to admit it," she said. "As soon as you say something out loud to somebody, that creates accountability."

Why This Inspires

Kildunne's honesty shows that asking for help isn't weakness. One conversation changed the trajectory of her health and potentially saved her career.

Her willingness to speak publicly about mental health and eating disorders helps break down stigma in professional sports. By sharing her story, she's giving other athletes permission to seek support without shame.

Since that breakthrough moment, Kildunne has rebuilt her relationship with food and her body. She scored five tries in England's World Cup triumph last year, including that unforgettable solo effort in the 33-13 final win against Canada.

Just last Saturday, she scored again in England's 33-12 Six Nations victory over Ireland. Her performance shows that recovery and excellence can coexist.

Kildunne remains realistic about her journey. "I wouldn't say I've got a bad relationship with food now, but it's something that you've always got to be conscious of," she acknowledged.

The world champion's message is clear: speaking up saves lives, and healing doesn't mean perfection.