'Dangerously thin' climbers face ban
- added July 15, 2008
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- LindseyIndigo
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There are concerns that a number of rock climbing athletes are shedding unhealthy amounts of weight in order to gain a competitive edge, and could be more prone to eating disorders, reports the Independent today.
In endurance climbing, where every spare gram of unwanted weight could sap valuable energy during a climb, there are fears that female athletes in particular may be prone to dangerous eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.
In Austria, the problem has become so acute that the country's climbing federation has banned any dangerously underweight athletes from competing until they put on an adequate amount of weight. Those athletes with a body mass index (BMI) reading of less than 17 when the rules are introduced next year will not be allowed to compete. Until then, those on the borderline have been ordered to see a doctor for advice about the effects of low weight and anorexia.
Earlier this month, Jens Larssen, who runs 8a, the world ranking organisation for rock climbing, announced his system might also introduce some sort of regulation. "I know for a fact that some of the very best female climbers are either anorexic or have been anorexic," he said. "It exists just as much at the top level of climbers as anywhere else. I know many of these people personally; they're my good friends but I don't want them to become role models."
Should governments or regulatory bodies be able to limit who takes part in sport, based on their body shape or size? Do other sports that require tiny, thin bodies take the same action? Do other sports lead to competitors developing eating disorders in this way? Is this a telling example of where eating disorders come from in the first place: simple competition amongst women and men to have the 'ideal' body?
In endurance climbing, where every spare gram of unwanted weight could sap valuable energy during a climb, there are fears that female athletes in particular may be prone to dangerous eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.
In Austria, the problem has become so acute that the country's climbing federation has banned any dangerously underweight athletes from competing until they put on an adequate amount of weight. Those athletes with a body mass index (BMI) reading of less than 17 when the rules are introduced next year will not be allowed to compete. Until then, those on the borderline have been ordered to see a doctor for advice about the effects of low weight and anorexia.
Earlier this month, Jens Larssen, who runs 8a, the world ranking organisation for rock climbing, announced his system might also introduce some sort of regulation. "I know for a fact that some of the very best female climbers are either anorexic or have been anorexic," he said. "It exists just as much at the top level of climbers as anywhere else. I know many of these people personally; they're my good friends but I don't want them to become role models."
Should governments or regulatory bodies be able to limit who takes part in sport, based on their body shape or size? Do other sports that require tiny, thin bodies take the same action? Do other sports lead to competitors developing eating disorders in this way? Is this a telling example of where eating disorders come from in the first place: simple competition amongst women and men to have the 'ideal' body?
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- LindseyIndigo
- 2 months ago
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