# @thehiddenopponent on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jV2tIsR3f
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/22973905-thehiddenopponent-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/8aba566e45.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-09-05T22:27:41.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Hidden Opponent ©️ (@thehiddenopponent) — https://gondola.cc/thehiddenopponent

## Caption

TW: disordered eating

“Up until the summer of 2024, the NCAA followed USRowing rules, where if the coxswain of the boat was under 110 lbs, they would have to carry a sandbag of weight to meet the requirement. Along with that a colored wrist band signifying that you are “underweight”, though on the other side of the spectrum if you are over this requirement you receive a different brightly colored wrist deeming you “overweight”, that you must wear the entire weekend of championships. 

Until the beginning of my sophomore year, this number had never affected me, until January 14th rolled around and it was announced within my team that the coxswains would be shifting into a solely cardio based circuit lift program for the spring season. Subconsciously affecting my body imagine, who I was, and why I was doing this sport.

It started with stepping on the scale three days a week and being visibly disappointed every time I saw my weight. I began to cut out the protein and hydration we were given after workouts…with the belief that being lighter would make my boats faster. The depression and loneliness followed quickly, turning the bright and bubbly person I once was into a shell of a body whose only care was this number dropping on the scale.

After 3 months of this downward spiral, I decided to tell my assistant coach, in hopes that as a former female athlete she would give me the support and tough love that I needed. Soon enough, she began to help me pick up the parts of me that I thought I lost forever...”

Head over to our blog to read “The Magic Number” written by Meghan Mangan, and leave a “💚” in the comments to show support!

#thehiddenopponent #mentalhealth #usrowing #studentathlete #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorderawareness

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## Tags

eatingdisorderrecovery, mentalhealth, thehiddenopponent, eatingdisorderawareness, usrowing, studentathlete

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