In this episode Sophie hosts clinical therapist Rania and former national team judo athlete Alex Gagnon to chat about the correlation between competitive sport and body image. The trio discusses how unhealthy relationships with food and body image manifest, and what healthcare professionals and coaches can do to support their athletes.

Guests:

Alex Gagnon is a former national team judo athlete who competed internationally until 2020 when she retired due to injury. Gagnon is currently in her final year of an honors degree in sociology where she researches the normalization of weight cutting in combat sports.

Rania is a clinical therapist with Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. With a Masters in Counselling Psychology and over eight years of experience as a clinical therapist, ElSouri supports folks dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating/eating disorders.

Resources for Athletes:

• Abuse Free Sport Helpline


• Eating Disorders Nova Scotia


• Good2Talk Nova Scotia


• Kids Help Phone


• National Eating Disorder Hotline


• Safe Sport Training Modules for Athletes


• Wellness Together Canada

Resources for Parents and Coaches:

• Eating Disorders Nova Scotia


• IWK Health Centre Referrals


• National Eating Disorder Information Centre


• Safe Sport Coaching Training