Rosa Flanagan dropped to 42 kilos after becoming ‘obsessed’ with weight

Running is perceived as ‘high risk’ when it comes to eating disorders because the sport demands resistance and a svelte frame to reach your peak performance.

For self-described ‘perfectionist’ Rosa Flanagan, 22, it was all too easy to fall into the depths of restrictive eating – even when her parents, physiotherapist, nutritionist, psychologist, masseuse and coach encouraged her to change her worrisome mindset.

The New Zealand based athlete specialises in 3,000m and 5,000m steeplechase, a race that involves running on a track and clearing hurdles – some of which are surrounded by water.

For self-labelled ‘perfectionist’ Rosa Flanagan, 22, it was all too easy to fall into the depths of restrictive eating

It’s a tough obstacle for anyone to master but Rosa was a natural-born talent.

‘Throughout my primary school years I did a variety of sports, which included jazz dancing, hockey, touch rugby, tennis and swimming,’ she wrote on her online blog Two Raw Sisters.

‘I had no pressure from my parents and literally did what I wanted and enjoyed. 

‘During my earlier years of high school I was very healthy and was introduced to a whole new level and variety of sports like triathlon, gymnastics, cross country and athletics. 

But things began to slip as the pint-sized athlete entered her senior years. An obsession took hold

But things began to slip as the pint-sized athlete entered her senior years. An obsession took hold

‘During Year 10 I realised that I had some potential in sport and had a true passion for it. In particular running stood out and I started on a running program at the end of Year 10.’

But things began to slip as the pint-sized athlete entered her senior years. An obsession took hold.

‘My mindset has always been around the pure satisfaction and achievement that running provides me with. This mindset began to override me as a person,’ she said.

‘Obsessive thoughts began to creep up and come around more often. No days off, eat less, eat only certain types of “healthy foods”, run more and I will just keep getting faster.

‘In my last few years of high school I began to train more seriously, added in extra exercises including hockey and gym workouts and I had a strong vision of running being my career.’

BEFORE: Even the rigorous running training alone 'wasn't enough' and she didn't feel satisfied

BEFORE: Even the rigorous running training alone ‘wasn’t enough’ and she didn’t feel satisfied

AFTER: Now weighing in at a healthy 55 kilos, Rosa hopes that speaking out on the issue will encourage other young athletes to reach out to their support network

AFTER: Now weighing in at a healthy 55 kilos, Rosa hopes that speaking out on the issue will encourage other young athletes to reach out to their support network

Even the rigorous running training alone ‘wasn’t enough’ and she didn’t feel satisfied. She would continue exerting herself with a follow up swim or long walk in the hills after each practice.

‘I was always so exhausted and never had enough energy to socialise with my friends or family, study or simply just have a laugh. It was beginning to turn into a vicious cycle,’ she explained.

‘I wanted to lose weight as I believed this was essential in order for me to execute peak performances. Due to severely restricting my diet my weight dropped and my performances improved, running felt easy and effortless and everything went smoothly.’

Even when she was comfortably winning championships and securing wins, Rosa felt intense pressure to retain her reputation at all costs.

'My running style has changed, recovery between sessions is harder, my times are a lot slower and personal best's are not being hit. I am having to be extremely patient and aware of niggles,' she said

‘My running style has changed, recovery between sessions is harder, my times are a lot slower and personal best’s are not being hit. I am having to be extremely patient and aware of niggles,’ she said

For the first time Rosa was forced to pull out of a competition, the World University Games team, and take a month off running to recuperate - both mentally and physically

For the first time Rosa was forced to pull out of a competition, the World University Games team, and take a month off running to recuperate – both mentally and physically

‘I was completely oblivious to the consequences and the serious injuries I was setting myself up for and man it was a huge shock when it happened,’ she said.

In 2016 everything ground to a halt when she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her tibia, and later, two labral tears in her hips. 

As a result of her low weight, which dropped to just 42 kilos, she only started menstruating in November 2017.

 ‘I was always so exhausted and never had enough energy to socialise with my friends or family, study or simply just have a laugh

‘Other issues I have dealt with throughout this period include low iron levels, gut issues and low bone density. Stress and anxiety issues have also affected me and I am happy to have received support to help to greatly reduce this issue,’ she reiterated.

For the first time Rosa was forced to pull out of a competition, the World University Games team, and take a month off running to recuperate – both mentally and physically.

‘My running style has changed, recovery between sessions is harder, my times are a lot slower and personal best’s are not being hit. I am having to be extremely patient and aware of niggles,’ she said.

'I had a whole team of people from Athletics New Zealand who were monitoring me and doing online diaries to help me track my nutrients and progress,' she told FEMAIL

‘I had a whole team of people from Athletics New Zealand who were monitoring me and doing online diaries to help me track my nutrients and progress,’ she told FEMAIL

Rosa is currently preparing for the athletics season, which will start in September, and on the side runs a plant-based catering and workshop company with her sister Margo

Rosa is currently preparing for the athletics season, which will start in September, and on the side runs a plant-based catering and workshop company with her sister Margo

Now weighing in at a healthy 55 kilos, Rosa hopes that speaking out on the issue will encourage other young athletes to reach out to their support network.

‘I had a whole team of people from Athletics New Zealand who were monitoring me and doing online diaries to help me track my nutrients and progress,’ she told FEMAIL.

‘They were there for me the whole time but I was just stubborn and oblivious to the problem. It was quite a relief for them when I finally turned a corner.

‘My mum asked me what made me finally stop and think about what was going on and I said that if I wanted a career in athletics I needed to sort some things out now – rather than later.’

Calling themselves 'Two Raw Sisters' the pair aren't asking anyone to start cutting out elements from their diet, but rather integrate more fruit and vegetables into the average diet

Calling themselves ‘Two Raw Sisters’ the pair aren’t asking anyone to start cutting out elements from their diet, but rather integrate more fruit and vegetables into the average diet

'I recently graduated from University with a degree in nutrition, which I was doing part-time alongside racing,' she said

‘I recently graduated from University with a degree in nutrition, which I was doing part-time alongside racing,’ she said

What does Rosa recommend other athletes do? 

* Talk to other athletes who have been through similar issues, I am super happy to chat to ANYONE!

* Communicate with your coach and support team. I am extremely lucky to have an amazing supportive coach and support team who have consistently been backing me.

* See a doctor, dietitian and endocrinologist if required. Listen to their advice.

* To not be afraid of extra body fat, this is crucial for menstruation and part of being a women!

* Keep a watch of your iron levels. I regularly schedule in blood tests to keep on top of them. 

Rosa is currently preparing for the athletics season, which will start in September, and on the side runs a plant-based catering and workshop company with her sister Margo.

Calling themselves ‘Two Raw Sisters’ the pair aren’t asking anyone to start cutting out elements from their diet, but rather integrate more fruit and vegetables into the average diet.

‘I recently graduated from University with a degree in nutrition, which I was doing part-time alongside racing,’ she said.

‘The journey back has been long but the old Rosa is coming back, my mindset is changing, I run for me not others, I was a perfectionist now I’m a vague perfectionist, I’m healthy and I feel like I have a good life balance again.’

If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or email support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au

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