How a Matildas Star Overcame Her Secret Battle with an Eating Disorder

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry has opened up about her struggle with an eating disorder and how support from teammates and therapy helped her recover.

At 33, Gorry was arguably Australia’s top player during the 2023 Women’s World Cup but had previously battled bulimia behind the scenes. She recounted how her disorder began with calorie counting but quickly spiraled out of control, leading her to starve herself, binge-eat, and exercise compulsively. These behaviors fueled intense self-loathing and dark thoughts, prompting her to seek professional help.

Her journey to recovery was aided by a teammate who connected her with a psychologist. During this period, Gorry also fell pregnant with her daughter Harper through IVF and realized the importance of prioritizing her mental health to support her growing family. She admits that she still experiences dark thoughts at times but remains committed to her healing process.

Gorry, now the captain of West Ham in the Women’s Super League, credits her fiancée, Clara Markstedt, for providing vital support. She describes Clara as creating a safe space for honesty and helping her develop a healthier relationship with food.

As an ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation, Gorry emphasizes the importance of self-worth beyond appearance. She encourages others facing similar struggles to talk openly about their mental health and to be kind to themselves, highlighting that everyone’s worth is defined by who they are inside rather than how they look.