A Silent Battle in Women's Sports

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A Silent Battle in Women's Sports

Disclaimer: This story mentions eating disorders and disordered eating, which could be triggering for some readers.

What’s going on: Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux is known for her grit on the field — but in an emotional Instagram post, she said she’s feeling more vulnerable than ever. Leroux revealed she’s been living with anorexia “for as long as I can remember,” shedding a light on a rarely discussed health battle many athletes face. Research shows one in five athletes are at risk of developing an eating disorder. Leroux, who stepped away from playing in March to focus on her mental health and family, said she hopes to inspire others to have a more open conversation about their struggles. “Silence never saved anyone,” the 35-year-old mom of two wrote.

Our take: Women athletes can face huge — and often unspoken — pressure around performance and appearance. That risk is especially high in endurance and aesthetic-based sports, like climbing, swimming, and dance. In cycling, athletes have spoken about maintaining dangerously low weights — sometimes losing their periods as a result. Olympic gymnasts like Shawn Johnson East and Levi Jung-Ruivivar, have also shared their struggles with disordered eating and eating disorders and their link to performance. Now, Leroux is highlighting that professional athletes in team sports aren’t immune from the conversations around body image and mental health.

Related: USA Gymnastics Faces More Legal Hot Water (AP)

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Who is this man, and why does everyone seem to care?

Lane Kiffin was the head coach at Ole Miss. That is until he departed and took the head coaching job at conference rival LSU this week, sparking boos at the airport and (since-debunked) rumors that the athletic department dumped his clothes on the street. Why all the heat? Kiffin led Ole Miss to one of its best-ever seasonal records and a real shot at a national title. LSU, a bigger brand with deeper resources, had been circling him. While Kiffin wanted to accept the LSU job and continue to coach Ole Miss through the playoff season, Ole Miss wasn’t having it. With few repercussions for in-season poaching and transfer-portal announcements expected ahead of the official January 2 opening, Kiffin’s hand was almost forced. The larger issue: a college football system that practically invites this kind of chaos.

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Just Trust Us

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

Found: a sports bra that's ultrasupportive without being constricting. Bonus points for the airy side panels and defining cups (ie, it won't smush your boobs).

This BabyBjörn baby carrier keeps you hands-free and moving, from power walks with your little one to laundry sprints. It’s specially designed to keep your hips feeling good, too.

Speaking of power walks, we reach for these New Balance sneakers over the winter. They have special microtractioned soles that grip slippery sidewalks, plus a slightly higher collar for ankle stability (and a little extra warmth).

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