Cricket superstar Meg Lanning reveals the dangerous obsession that ruined her physical and mental health and caused her to give up the sport
- Lanning has won several world titles
- Had a brilliant 13-year career for Australia
- Retired from the international scene at just 32 years old
Decorated Australian cricketer Meg Lanning has revealed her dangerous obsession with overtraining and dieting put her health at risk and ultimately led her to retire from international cricket at just 32 years old.
Speaking on the Howie Games Podcast Lanning spoke constantly about “overexercising and undereating” while representing her country.
At one point, the batter, considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, was running up to 90km a week as her weight dropped from 64kg to 57kg.
Lanning, who won seven World Cups during her glittering career, denied she suffered from an eating disorder but admitted her mood swings would have been obvious to her teammates.
Australian cricketer Meg Lanning has revealed the dangerous obsession that shook her physical and mental health and led her to retire from international cricket at just 32 years old.
The all-time great cricket star (pictured playing for Australia) has spoken about running up to 90km a week in addition to his cricket training.
“I was exercising too much and missing fuel. It got to the point where I was doing about 85-90 miles a week. I was in denial. It became a little bit like, ‘I’ll show you,'” Lanning said.
“It’s kind of a spiral. I wasn’t able to go on tour, play cricket and give the levels of commitment required for this Ashes series, mentally and physically.
“I’m naturally happy to spend time with myself, but there were very few people I would want to engage with. I would be really sharp – really surly – if someone asked me something.
“I went from 64 kg to 57 kg. It wasn’t ridiculous (but it was) significant.
“The ratios were unbalanced. I didn’t realize it was affecting my ability to concentrate.
“I didn’t really want to see other people. I became very disengaged from my friends and family.
Lanning denied that she suffered from an eating disorder, but admitted that her mood swings due to physical exhaustion would have been obvious to her teammates.
“Running has become a bit of an obsession. I could escape mentally. I would throw away the headphones but I wouldn’t take my phone with me. I would have my (Apple) watch with me and listen to music. No one could contact me.
Manning explained that she often had trouble sleeping after pushing her body to dangerous levels and, as a result, had “a dreaded night.”
In November last year, Manning announced she was stepping away from international cricket and was excited about her future.
She said at the time: “I’m exploring a few different options in the background. The good thing for me is that I don’t need to rush into anything.
“I can continue to play and continue to be involved. When an opportunity presents itself, I can seize it.
