Struggling with an Eating Disorder Persists for Franziska van Almsick
In an honest and revealing interview with 'Gala', former Olympic swimming champion Franziska van Almsick shared her battle with an eating disorder that has been a constant companion throughout her career and beyond. The three-part documentary, "Being Franziska van Almsick", delves deeper into her life story and will be available for streaming on September 4 in the ARD Mediathek, with its television premiere set for September 21 on the first channel.
Van Almsick, now 47 and a mother of two, began her swimming career at the tender age of 14, winning an Olympic silver medal in the 200m freestyle in 1992. Her success continued, culminating in a total of ten Olympic medals. However, the high-pressure environment and intense public scrutiny took a toll on her mental health, leading to the development of an eating disorder.
The documentary sheds light on the challenges van Almsick faced during her competitive years, including the body shaming and negative media attention that contributed to her struggles. One notable instance occurred in 2000, when she was mockingly nicknamed "Franzi van Speck" by the tabloids, amplifying the pressures around her body image.
Post-retirement, van Almsick no longer prioritises a muscular, extremely lean body as an ideal. She has consciously relaxed her standards about her figure and is indifferent to comments about her weight, indicating significant personal growth and a healthier self-acceptance compared to her competitive years. Nevertheless, the disorder remains a part of her life management: she watches for signs of relapse, such as obsessing over food or eating less, and views these episodes as signals to slow down and focus on self-care.
Living in Heidelberg with her partner and two sons, van Almsick continues to experience situations where she might restrict her food intake or overthink what she eats. However, she tries to find a positive in her struggles, using them as a reminder to prioritise mental health and self-care. The disorder, she considers, is a warning sign for losing control.
"Being Franziska van Almsick" is produced by SWR and offers a unique insight into the life of one of the first female sports icons of the post-reunification era. By sharing her story, van Almsick aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges elite athletes can face with eating disorders, especially after retirement when the intense structure of sport disappears.
[1] Gala interview with Franziska van Almsick [2] ARD Mediathek - "Being Franziska van Almsick" available from September 4 [3] SWR - "Being Franziska van Almsick" three-part documentary airing on September 21
In the documentary "Being Franziska van Almsick," van Almsick discusses her battle with an eating disorder, a struggle that arose from pressures in her competitive years and continues to be a part of her life management. As a proponent of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and nutrition, van Almsick uses her story to raise awareness about the challenges elite athletes face with eating disorders, particularly in relation to post-retirement life, highlighting the importance of self-care and mindful eating.
