Introduction: When RED-S Hits the elite level
In the world of professional cycling, endurance, precision, and peak physical condition are non-negotiable. Yet for one Australian cyclist, a hidden condition known as RED-S – Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport – abruptly changed the trajectory of a promising career. The diagnosis explained a mystery that had shadowed performances and training for months, ultimately forcing a painful, necessary decision: to retire from professional competition.
The early signs: a family’s keen observation
According to the cyclist’s mother, the changes began off the track, at home. “She’d stand and stare at the pantry, or open the fridge and just gaze inside,” she recalls. The once pragmatic approach to meals and fuel became a source of anxiety and hesitancy. The scales that had previously helped manage portions were pulled out, only to be weighed and discarded in a moment of doubt. What looked like routine dieting gradually revealed itself as something more insidious: an energy deficit that compromised the body’s ability to recover, maintain bone health, and sustain performance.
What is RED-S and why does it matter?
RED-S is a syndrome that arises when energy intake is insufficient to support the body’s energy expenditure during training and daily life. It can affect multiple systems, including hormones, metabolism, bone density, and immune function. In endurance sports like cycling, where training volume runs high and recovery time is precious, RED-S can erode strength, delay healing, and suppress performance even when an athlete is actively training. A diagnosis often requires a collaborative approach among sports medicine doctors, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to address both the physical and psychological factors involved.
From red scales to a medical diagnosis
The mother’s concerns eventually led to medical evaluation. The process typically includes a detailed medical history, nutrient intake analysis, bone health assessment, and blood tests to check hormones and energy markers. In this case, findings aligned with RED-S, painting a full picture of energy deficiency and its widespread impact. The news was unwelcome, but it brought clarity to a situation that had long confused coaches and teammates: the body was not getting enough fuel for its needs, despite rigorous training regimens.
The impact on a cycling career
For elite athletes, career decisions are deeply personal as well as professional. The diagnosis meant that returning to peak form required more than just hard work and discipline. It demanded a period of recalibration—rest, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychological support to rebuild healthy relationships with food and training. In many cases, athletes negotiate a path that preserves long-term health and life after sport, recognizing that some careers must pause or conclude for the sake of well-being. In this instance, the decision to retire was not a surrender but a strategic transition to protect future health and quality of life.
Recovery as a broader lesson for sport
RED-S is increasingly recognized in high-performance spheres, prompting teams to invest in education and prevention. Effective strategies include early screening, a multidisciplinary care team, and a culture that emphasizes nourishment, recovery, and mental health as integral components of performance. This story underscores a crucial lesson for athletes, coaches, and families: performance is not just about pushing through pain or hunger; it’s about sustaining a body that can train, compete, and recover well over many seasons.
Looking forward: life beyond competition
Retirement for an athlete can be frightening and liberating in equal measure. For our cyclist, the focus has shifted to rebuilding strength, establishing a healthy relationship with food, and exploring avenues within sport that align with long-term health—such as coaching, advocacy, or roles that leverage experience without placing extreme physical demands on the body. The visibility of RED-S among athletes continues to grow, inspiring more supportive environments where athletes can seek help without stigma and where medical teams are proactive rather than reactive.
Message to families and teammates
The experience serves as a call to action for families and teammates: trust your observations, seek professional input early, and foster open conversations about nutrition, body image, and training demands. Early intervention can make the difference between a temporary setback and a long-term health journey, allowing athletes to decide their path with informed choices and dignity.
