According to a recent Gear Junkie article, “Climbers and medical professionals say eating disorders are a growing issue, and competition managers are racing to catch up. Experts think improved testing could make a huge difference.”
Dr. Riley Nickols and Becca McConville of MindBodyEndurance were interviewed for this article which states that two medical officials at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) resigned this summer over frustration with the organization’s reluctance to implement screening measures.
“Testing for eating disorders should be about protecting these athletes,” Dr. Nickols is quoted as saying.
Rebecca McConville, states the importance of seeing the humanity of athletes as a priority. She states in the article, “I was doing a race with my daughter, and one of my clients was there,” she said. “She said to my daughter, ‘Your Mom saved my life’ … That really reinforces that athletes are human. We get caught up in the performance part and forget that.”
“Testing for eating disorders should be about protecting these athletes,” —Dr. Riley Nickols
Looking for someone who understands the unique needs of an athlete? The sport psychologists and sports dietitians at Mind Body Endurance can help.
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