Dominique Kondo

Research has shown that even subtle word choices from coaches, parents and peers can significantly impact an athlete's confidence, motivation and even risk of disordered eating.

The words that we use are the stories that athletes tell themselves.

Now, I'm going to talk about quite a taboo topic of physique.

Now, I know this might be controversial, but here we go.

Physique matters.

At the highest level, different sports require different builds.

Lean mass for power in football, strength to weight ratio, gymnastics, lighter frames for endurance.

So no, in elite sport, we should not ban body composition assessment because if used correctly, it is an invaluable performance tool.

However, the damage occurs when those numbers are used as an identity.

The public weigh-ins, the comparison between teammates, when measurement is used as punishment.

That's when science becomes shame.

And we've all seen the fallout.

Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam champion, was told her power made her look too muscular.

AFLW player Taylor Harris was body shamed for an image that should have been celebrated as pure athletic brilliance.

And even Olympic champion Emma McKeon has spoken openly about the pressure of appearance in swimming.

So the take home?

Yes, physique and performance may be linked.

But appearance should never overshadow capability.

So what happens when the balance tips the wrong way?

Well, athletes can under-fuel.