While waiting for my hubby at the pool last night I was talking to two of the lifeguards, one (female) is a former student of mine. The other, a guy, is really nice as well.
"She" was eating some Greek food from the "newer" restaurant across the street from the pool. We started talking about her food and the conversation quickly took a turn to how she, and many other age groupers on the team, are throwing up during workout. I was stunned and asked her why. She said that she just does it to get out early. But the others go home from school and gorge themselves and then go swimming and intentionally throw up to get rid of it (usually in the gutter!). They are bulimic. The male lifeguard concurred and said he was disgusted but yes they do do it all the time.
They both said that the synchro girls are worse and that they are constantly told they are too fat by coaches and parents. (I haven't seen a synchro girl that isn't too skinny already). They too are bulimic.
Being a former student of mine, I put on my teacher hat, and told her that if she learned about nutrition she wouldn't be so hungry, etc..
She said, "Yea, they teach us about nutrition."
I said, "Who?"
"The coaches, but we don't listen."
I just don't remember being THAT stupid as an age group swimmer...
I would not say it is widespread, but it is enough of a problem that USA Swimming formed a task force on disordered eating. My hope is that all coaches of age-group swimmers will take the time to read the article below:
web.usaswimming.org/.../ViewMiscArticle.aspx
Also, an interesting book, My Name is Caroline, tells the story of a young lady who developed bulimia while she was a student at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. An outstanding swimmer and student, Caroline mentions in her book how she learned the bulimic behavior from her fellow swimmers on the team. The book is her story of how she developed and overcame bulimia. I would highly recommend this book to any coach that works with female swimmers between the ages of 12 and 18.
This type of behavior does exist - I've seen it too many times as a swimmer and as a coach. It is, however, not something that is open and obvious. Girls suffering from bulimia are masters are keeping it hidden. Also, they are often of normal weight and may not discuss weight issues openly.
I would not say it is widespread, but it is enough of a problem that USA Swimming formed a task force on disordered eating. My hope is that all coaches of age-group swimmers will take the time to read the article below:
web.usaswimming.org/.../ViewMiscArticle.aspx
Also, an interesting book, My Name is Caroline, tells the story of a young lady who developed bulimia while she was a student at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. An outstanding swimmer and student, Caroline mentions in her book how she learned the bulimic behavior from her fellow swimmers on the team. The book is her story of how she developed and overcame bulimia. I would highly recommend this book to any coach that works with female swimmers between the ages of 12 and 18.
This type of behavior does exist - I've seen it too many times as a swimmer and as a coach. It is, however, not something that is open and obvious. Girls suffering from bulimia are masters are keeping it hidden. Also, they are often of normal weight and may not discuss weight issues openly.
