Five former members of Canada’s national artistic swimming team have filed a lawsuit against Canada Artistic Swimming after suffering years of verbal abuse and dismal of injuries by their coaches. The swimmers indicated that they were harassed about gaining weight and body shamed by the coaches which led to cases of disordered eating and even eating disorders.

Other female athletes from various disciplines have also opened up about experiencing eating disorders due to pressure from coaches, fan and from themselves. These athletes include skier Alice Merryweather and tennis player Martina Trevisan. 

Studies have shown that women participating in artistic swimming or other aesthetic sports like gymnastics are more at risk to develop disordered eating habits due to the nature and judgement of these sports. The abuse and body shaming from coaches can increase this risk. In a study completed by Stirling and Kerr, it was found that most of the female swimmers interviewed had experienced emotional abuse from their coaches both as children and adults. The athletes in the study also noted that they believed that the verbal abuse they experienced was just part of being an athlete. This highlights the need to provide more support to female athletes, like the five swimmers who have shared their stories, through their journey through sport. 

Hillard A.

Featured image: Members of the Canadian artistic swimming team (Source: See What She Can Do)