In high school, I was probably 155 - I wanted to run fast and get a scholarship, so, it was drilled in me that if you lose weight, you'll run faster. So, I went on a diet - I did lose weight, but then I hit a plateau where I couldn't lose any more weight. So, I started throwing my food up, so I became bulimic.

In this deeply personal quote, Bianca Belair, a professional wrestler and former track athlete, opens up about her past struggles with body image and eating disorders. She recalls her time in high school, where the pressure to run fast and earn an athletic scholarship led her to believe that losing weight was essential for success. This mindset, often reinforced in competitive sports, created a distorted association between thinness and performance. Her attempt to diet and control her weight reveals how external expectations can quickly turn into internalized pressure.

As she explains, Belair did lose weight initially, but eventually hit a plateau, a common occurrence where further weight loss becomes difficult. In response, she turned to bulimia—an eating disorder characterized by bingeing and purging—as a way to continue pursuing what she believed was a necessary path to excellence. This admission illustrates how easily young athletes, particularly women, can be drawn into dangerous behaviors when success is defined narrowly by physical appearance or weight.

The quote also sheds light on the often unspoken mental health challenges faced by athletes. Belair’s experience is not unique; many athletes struggle with disordered eating, especially in sports where weight is closely linked to performance or aesthetic standards. Her story underscores the need for supportive environments, education, and holistic coaching practices that prioritize well-being over results.

The origin of this quote comes from Bianca Belair’s efforts to raise awareness about mental health and body positivity, particularly within the worlds of sports and entertainment. By sharing her journey, she not only breaks the stigma around bulimia but also empowers others to seek help and value themselves beyond numbers on a scale. Her vulnerability highlights the importance of redefining success in healthier, more inclusive ways.