Dame Sarah Storey Reveals Bullying Led to Anorexia
Britain's most decorated Paralympian shares her struggles with an eating disorder triggered by school bullies.
Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most successful Paralympian, has revealed that she was driven to the brink of anorexia by bullies during her teenage years. Storey, who has accumulated 30 Paralympic medals across swimming and cycling, disclosed in a recent interview that the torment she faced at school was not due to her disability but stemmed from her athletic achievements.
“I was bullied at school during my teenage years, becoming a target not because of my hand but due to my sporting achievements,” Storey stated. The intense pressure and bullying led to her developing an eating disorder, with doctors warning her about the severity of her condition.
"In my teenage years, Sarah was warned that if she did not change the doctor would have to diagnose her with anorexia, bringing a cycle of appointments that would interfere with training," she explained, highlighting the critical point she reached.
Storey's exceptional career has seen her become Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, with 19 gold medals alone. Her most recent success came at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she secured gold in the women's individual cycling time trial.
Despite her past struggles, Storey is now participating in the latest series of the popular television show 'Strictly Come Dancing.' She expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of learning new skills, even admitting she is looking forward to being 'absolutely terrible' at something as she embarks on this new challenge.
Strictly producers had previously approached Storey after the London 2012 Games, but she was unable to commit due to childcare responsibilities following the birth of her daughter. The current season marks her debut on the dance floor.