Tyler Wright has been hospitalised due to her period and says the only option she has besides painkillers reliance is to undergo surgery as she breaks the taboo on menstruation in sport.
Two-time world champion Wright headed into last week’s Surf Ranch Pro in California wearing the tour’s yellow leader jersey.
But she bowed out after just one round on the man-made wave, conceding the tour lead in the process.
Wright took to Instagram on Tuesday to explain she competed after being bedridden and mostly unable to eat, something that comes as past of the “harsh reality of navigating my period while meeting requirements in my professional career”.
“Managing my period has been a journey,” said Wright, who also revealed that she was now “heavily reliant” on painkillers when menstruating.
“I’ve come along (sic) way from my teen years, not even knowing it wasn’t normal to suffer monthly excruciating pain that would lead to passing out, vomiting and hours on the toilet.
“These days my period management looks like a customised training program based around the 4 menstrual stages, listening and planning carefully for what my body needs – even if that means less time practicing in the water before comps, prioritising sleep and recovery leading up to my period and being aware this is the time I am at highest risk of injury.”
Two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright
Wright’s revelation comes ahead Sunday’s edition of Code Insight which focuses on the menstrual cycle and the effects – positive and negative – it can have on women in sport.
Among the athletes featured are Olympic swimming champions Emily Seebohm and Madi Wilson, who detail issues they faced with their menstrual cycles early in their careers and the questions they wish they had asked about their health.
Netballer Tayla Williams details her battle with endometriosis, while former swimmer Brooke Hanson shares details of the workshops she now runs to ensure younger athletes have the information they need about their menstrual cycles, periods and competing at their best at any time of the month.
Wright received an outpouring of gratitude from followers for speaking out and sharing her story and her current options for dealing with the ongoing pain and issues.
“At this stage in my life I am also heavily reliant on painkillers while I menstruate,” she said in her post.
Insight Lifout out this Sunday.
“They aren’t ideal but my other option is to have surgery to try (to) find and fix the reason for these debilitating periods.
“The surgery isn’t a guaranteed solution and I would have to take time off from competing as well as rebuilding.”
But Wright said she was proud of the team she had “curated” who support her listening to her body and prioritising her needs.
The next event on the World Surf League tour is the El Salvador Pro, where Wright will attempt to maintain her top five place ahead of the WSL finals in September where the world championship will be decided.