Former Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin is opening up about an unfortunate health condition that has her bedridden.
Dobbin, 32, represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She also competed in the 2018 Athletics World Cup, the 2019 Anniversary Games in London, and the British Grand Prix among other marquee events.
It was sadly revealed this week that Dobbin is battling myalgic encephalomyelitis, a fatigue-inducing illness. She said her condition keeps her in bed for 22 hours a day.
“I’ve done little things like attend a blood test at the doctors and been in bed for months after. So doing this interview, chatting away for 30 minutes, that could have an impact on me in 2027,” Dobbin told BBC Sport. “But I felt like it was really important to do that to get the message out.”
Dobbin said she only gets out of bed to eat or use the bathroom.
“It’s life-decimating like I can’t even put into words,” she continued. “I feel like I’ve lost everything. I have still got my family, but I’ve lost my independence, my health, the ability to work, the ability to exercise.”
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Fans offering support to Dobbin.
“From competing at the highest level to being bedbound for 22 hours a day. Life can change in ways nobody expects,” one fan said.
“I hope she finds some comfortable, no matter how small, that strangers are sending her love and best wishes,” a second fan added.
“Post-viral illnesses are devastating. I went from being an English teacher to house and bed-bound aged 31. Four years later, nothing has changed,” another person commented.
We’re certainly wishing Dobbin all the best in this battle.
