“Had to seek help”: These courageous lines touch the ski world

It is not unusual for a talent to be thwarted on his way to the top in a sport like alpine skiing. Just because of the injuries: whether during a high-speed ride down a downhill slope or a nimble dance through the slalom pole forest - knees, shins, ligaments, bones, even Achilles tendons (as was the case recently with Nicol Delago) are always exposed to a certain amount of danger and can break down from one moment to the next. Recently there has also been the coronavirus, which can not only put an athlete out of action for several weeks, but can also leave its physical mark on some people. “It almost destroyed my passion for the sport I love so much.” Alice Merryweather However, none of this applies to the American Alice Merryweather. She is neither injured nor does she have to take a break due to a corona infection. Merryweather, the junior downhill world champion in 2017, suffers from a problem that is unusual in skiing, but is widespread in society, especially among young girls: she has been suffering from eating disorders for some time - so severe that she had to seek professional help. The 24-year-old made this public in an emotional and courageous posting on social media. “I won’t be competing in any races in the near future,” reads the introduction. Great popularity on social networks “For the last few months I have been struggling with an eating disorder. It knocked me down, broke my heart, drained me and almost destroyed my passion for the sport that I love so much,” are the emotional lines from Merryweather, who has competed in the World Cup 48 times and won twice Finished 2th. “Fortunately, I am surrounded by some of the best people in the world who have helped me cope with my disorder and encouraged me to seek help. Instead of starting this season on the ski slopes, I’m currently undergoing intensive treatment.”

Alice Merryweather has said goodbye to the World Cup for the time being with a touching post. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Roy Rochlin

She doesn't know when she'll be back. “I'm not sure how long this journey will take, but I'm putting my health and happiness first and taking things one step at a time. I'm optimistic that when the time comes, I'll be stronger than ever." There's a reason why Merryweather made her problem public. “I want to encourage anyone struggling with mental health or an eating disorder to reach out and remind them that they are not alone.”

With her posting on social networks - to which she also attached 2 photos with the handwritten lines of the emotional message - Merryweather touched the hearts of her fans. Numerous supporters and athletes (including Ilka Stuhec and Julia Mancuso) praised her for courage and strength in the comments.

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“Had to seek help”: These courageous lines touch the ski world

The Ski World Cup really picks up speed in December. A gifted skier from the USA who has withdrawn from the World Cup circus for the time being for a sad reason will not be there.

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