The hidden struggle in sport: Matildas’ star Katrina Gorry re-appointed as Butterfly Foundation Ambassador to break the silence on eating disorders and body image concerns in athletes

Athletes are at a higher risk of developing disordered eating or an eating disorder, but research shows help-seeking is rare and many suffer in silence [1] – not just at an elite level, but within adolescent and pathway sports too.

Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s national charity for people impacted by eating disorders and body image concerns, has re-appointed star Matildas’ player Katrina Gorry as its Ambassador to continue the conversation about eating disorders in sport and create more positive environments where athletes and those in development pathways can reach their full potential.

Recent research has revealed that 44% of elite women athletes have experienced an eating disorder and/or disordered eating [2], and despite disordered eating being more common in athletes than the general population, help-seeking is rare [3].

As Butterfly’s ambassador, Katrina will continue to share her own lived experience of an eating disorder, aiming to break down barriers to support, reshape public understanding, and foster open, inclusive conversations about mental health, body image, and eating disorders.

“I know firsthand the pressure that can come with performance, fitness, and the way our bodies are talked about and judged,” said Katrina.

“After living with the darkness and isolation that came with my own eating disorder, I now know that no medal, no contract, and no dream should ever come at the cost of your health.”

“I’m incredibly proud to continue working with Butterfly so that other elite athletes don’t have to suffer in silence, but also to create more supportive environments for junior and pathway athletes – because no one should have their dreams crushed due to feelings about food, exercise and their body.”

With one in three young people stopping playing support altogether due to concerns about their body, Katrina will use her platform to spread awareness about Butterfly’s life-changing services and programs, including BodyKind Sports.

“Since 2007, Butterfly has worked with sporting organisations and governing bodies across all levels – from grassroots to high performance – to foster environments where poor body image and disordered eating aren’t barriers to people reaching their potential in sport, and in life,” said Butterfly Director of Education Initiatives, Danni Rowlands.

“With Katrina’s support of Butterfly and BodyKind Sports, we can help future sporting stars, of all body shapes and sizes, to feel comfortable to seek help when they need it, and ensure coaches and others working with athletes know how to respond appropriately when concerns about food, eating, exercise or bodies arise.”

BodyKind Sports provides education and awareness initiatives, policy and resource development, and longer-term collaborations to support sporting clubs and organisations to foster positive and safe environments in relation to body image and disordered eating.

To find out more, visit https://butterfly.org.au/school-youth-professionals/for-sporting-groups/

-ENDS-

Media Contact: 

Zoe Bradbury – Butterfly Communications Manager 

E: zoe.bradbury@butterfly.org.au  

About Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, prevention and early intervention programs, and by advocating for the needs of our community.

Editor and producers note: 

Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media Guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders. Please include the following helpline message. 

Help and Support 

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact: 

Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).