Meg Lanning, the captain of the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has spoken openly about the mental and physical health challenges that led to her shock retirement from international cricket at the young age of 31.
Meg Lanning battles unseen battles
Meg Lanning, a legend of the game with a trophy cabinet boasting five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles and two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophies, six of them as captain, revealed on the Australian podcast “Howie Games” the struggles she faced throughout her career.
Obsessive Exercise and Social Withdrawal
Meg Lanning detailed her battle with an “unhealthy obsession” with exercise, leading to significant weight loss and neglecting proper nutrition. She described using exercise as a way to mentally escape, withdrawing from friends and teammates, and eventually the sport itself.
“I was overdoing exercise and not eating enough,” Lanning confessed. “I got down to an unhealthy weight and was in denial about it all.”
Downward Spiral for Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning explained how this behavior became a “new normal” for her. She felt a sense of control through this excessive exercise, even though it negatively impacted her ability to concentrate, socialize, and sleep.
“I became a different person, difficult to be around,” Lanning admitted. “This ultimately led to me not being in a good space mentally or physically to continue playing international cricket.”
Seeking Help and Finding Strength
While Lanning doesn’t believe she had a formally diagnosed eating disorder, she did acknowledge the need for professional help. She spoke about the importance of open communication and seeking support from medical professionals and loved ones.
“I felt out of control,” Lanning said. “Talking to people and letting them know what I was going through helped tremendously.”
Moving Forward with Delhi Capitals
Today, Meg Lanning feels she’s “in a good spot.” While she continues to manage these challenges, she has returned to domestic cricket and other T20 leagues worldwide.
Meg Lanning’s story highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, even for high-performing athletes. It’s a reminder that everyone faces challenges, and open communication is key to overcoming them.
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