What’s it like living with coeliac disease as a world-class triathlete?

1. When were you diagnosed with coeliac disease and what led to your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in April 2024. Leading up to that, I had been experiencing a range of symptoms that were gradually getting worse and it eventually reached a point where I just knew something wasn’t right with my health. I felt consistently unwell, and nothing I was doing seemed to help.

I went to the doctor, who sent me for blood tests and the results showed elevated antibodies consistent with coeliac disease, which led to my diagnosis.

2. What were your symptoms?

Looking back, I did have some typical digestive symptoms, such as frequent stomach upset, bloating, and discomfort after eating. However, I also experienced less obvious symptoms, including joint pain after exercise, persistent fatigue, and skin breakouts.

As a professional athlete, I initially put a lot of this down to training demands but I’m very focused on recovery and nutrition, so when these symptoms didn’t improve, it raised concerns that something else was going on.

I also experienced a number of injuries, including stress fractures, which can be linked to coeliac disease due to poor nutrient absorption. That was a major red flag, especially given that I maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

3. How did you feel when you received your diagnosis?

It was definitely a shock at first, but also a huge relief. It finally gave me an answer to so many ongoing issues like why I had been feeling unwell and dealing with repeated injuries.  I quickly saw it as a positive. I realised that if I could properly manage it, it could actually be a turning point for both my health and my career as an athlete.

4. How has your life changed since being diagnosed?

My life has changed significantly for the better. I feel much healthier overall, with far more consistent energy levels. I rarely get sick now, which is a big improvement, and I’ve also experienced far fewer injuries.  

At first, I naively thought that once I had the diagnosis, everything would immediately improve. In reality, it took about a year for my body to fully heal from years of consuming gluten.  Now, I no longer experience regular bloating, my joint pain has disappeared, and my overall wellbeing is much improved. It’s been an incredibly positive change.

5. What’s been the hardest part of adapting to a gluten-free diet as a professional athlete?

The biggest challenge has been missing out on convenience and spontaneity with food. After long training sessions, I’d often crave comfort foods like pasta, pizza, or a coffee and cake stop during a ride.  Now, I have to plan ahead more carefully. For example, if I know there’ll be a café stop, I’ll bring my own gluten-free snack so I don’t feel left out.

Living in London definitely helps, as there are lots of gluten-free options available. But overall, it’s been an adjustment, especially going from being able to eat anything as an athlete to needing to check labels and be more organised.

6. You train around 30 hours a week - what does fuelling look like for you day-to-day?

With that level of training, fuelling is a huge priority. My diet needs to be high in carbohydrates, with a good amount of protein and all the essential vitamins and minerals.  I tend to eat little and often, alongside three main meals a day. I usually have a double breakfast due to early training sessions, and I snack throughout the day to keep my energy levels up.

Being organised is key. Having ready-made meals available makes a big difference, as it helps me consistently meet my calorie needs without added stress.

7. Carb loading is a big part of endurance sport, what does it look like for you now?

Before my diagnosis, I relied heavily on foods like pasta, bread, and pizza for carb loading. Now, I mainly use rice as my primary carbohydrate source.

I’ll pair that with protein sources like chicken and eggs, especially in the lead-up to a race. It does mean eating a lot of rice.  By the end of race week, I’m definitely ready for a change but overall, it works well and ensures I’m properly fuelled.

8. What are your favourite Field Doctor meals and how do they fit into your routine?

I’m really proud to work with Field Doctor, as it makes such a difference to my day-to-day nutrition. Having high-quality, ready-made meals helps me stay on top of my calorie intake without the time and effort of cooking everything from scratch.

My favourite gluten-free meals include the beef ragù with gluten-free pasta, the chilli con carne, and the risotto. They’re all staples in my weekly routine and because they are frozen it means they can be quickly heated up which is perfect for a busy training schedule.

9. Is there a gluten-free food you’ve discovered that you now couldn’t live without?

I definitely have a sweet tooth, especially after long training days. One of my go-to treats is the gluten-free millionaire’s shortbread from Sainsbury’s - it’s easily a 10/10. It’s great to have gluten-free options like that still feel like a proper treat.

10. What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with coeliac disease?

Although it can feel overwhelming at first I’d encourage people to see the diagnosis as a positive. It gives you the opportunity to take control of your health and start feeling better. 

Once you adapt, the difference in how you feel can be huge, you’ll have more energy, recover better, and overall just feel much healthier. It’s a big change, but one that can genuinely transform your quality of life.