Embracing Strength: My Journey from Gymnastics to Self-Acceptance
Growing up in Australia, I was surrounded by sports and fitness from a young age. My parents, both athletes themselves, would often take me to their practices and games, where I’d entertain myself by flipping and tumbling around. It wasn’t long before they enrolled me in gymnastics classes to channel my energy into something productive.
Finding My Passion
I quickly fell in love with gymnastics and went on to compete at the regional and state levels, winning most meets I entered. At just eight years old, I caught the attention of the National Women’s Gymnastics Coach, who offered me a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport. I became the youngest athlete to ever receive this honor.
The Dark Side of Competition
As I trained intensively, I began to focus on my weight, believing that being skinny was essential to being a beautiful gymnast. This mindset led to an eating disorder, which took a severe toll on my body. By the time I was 14, I had undergone three knee surgeries, and my gymnastics career was over.
A New Chapter
After taking time to recover, I joined Cirque du Soleil as a powertrack/trampoline performer in 2001. The demanding schedule and pressure to perform at my best took a mental and physical toll on me. My old habits resurfaced, and my eating disorder worsened. I was miserable, constantly sick, and in pain.
Breaking Free
One day, I realized that I had to make a change. I wanted to be healthy, strong, and happy. It wasn’t easy, but I slowly began to focus on my overall well-being, rather than just my weight. I stopped weighing myself and started to prioritize my nutrition and exercise routine.
Redefining Success
I’ve come to realize that a number on the scale means nothing about our body composition or overall health. It’s time to shift our focus from skinny to strong. When we prioritize exercise and healthy eating, we’ll have energy, feel amazing, and look great too.
A Message to Others
As someone who’s been there, I encourage you to rethink your approach to fitness and health. Instead of obsessing over a specific number, focus on living a healthy lifestyle, and celebrate your progress in other ways. Remember, strong is the new skinny, and it feels a hundred times better. Choose to make your journey the best it can be!
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