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Montell Douglas: Olympian and ‘Strictly’ Star Discloses Agonising Health Condition
Former Olympian and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Montell Douglas has revealed enduring a painful health condition in silence throughout much of her athletic career. The celebrated athlete, aged 39, who captivated audiences on ‘Strictly’ with Johannes Radebe and currently stars as Fire in ‘Gladiators’, has spoken candidly about her concealed battle with dysmenorrhea. This debilitating condition is characterised by severe menstrual pain. Douglas admitted to grappling with dysmenorrhea since adolescence, stating, “I cannot remember not suffering.”
Years of Silent Suffering
In an interview with Metro, as part of a campaign with Holland & Barrett, Douglas recounted, “When my periods began, I concealed the pain for a considerable time because I lacked understanding of what was happening. I recall experiencing excruciating pain from the outset.” Despite enduring persistent discomfort, the athlete persevered through years of rigorous training and competition, masking the agony until it became unbearable. “People mention periods being uncomfortable, but I noticed my pain was significantly more intense than others,” she explained.
Hospitalisation: A Turning Point
Three years ago, Douglas experienced a critical episode while alone at home, marking a turning point. “I was in extreme pain, doubled over, and it persisted relentlessly.”
“The pain induced dizziness and fainting spells, and even during brief moments of consciousness amidst the agony, I was on the phone attempting to call for an ambulance to A&E.”
She was urgently transported to hospital, suffering from dehydration and acute distress. “That hospitalisation was a stark realisation. This level of pain isn’t normal; I shouldn’t require hospitalisation for period pain,” she reflected.
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Collapsing During Training
Douglas also recounted an incident years prior when she collapsed during a training exercise due to severe pain. She found herself in the foetal position during sprint drills.
Eventually, the athlete began managing her symptoms with a contraceptive implant – a measure she describes as a necessity rather than a preference. “Opting for the implant wasn’t really a choice; it felt like the only viable option, a necessary intervention.”
Enduring Athletic Injuries
Douglas’s health challenges extend beyond dysmenorrhea. Her athletic journey has been marked by numerous physical setbacks, including six hamstring tears within two years, a herniated disc at age 14, and significant knee surgery that rendered her unable to walk for three months.
She later sustained a severe hamstring injury, described as “pulled off the bone,” just seven months before the Winter Olympics.
Even in her role on ‘Gladiators’, Douglas continues to face physical demands. “I’ve ruptured all the ligaments in my ankles, every single one. The most recent rupture occurred in my first ‘Gladiators’ series on the initial day of training,” she revealed.
Resilience and Endurance
Throughout these trials, Douglas has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her participation on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ further exemplified her endurance and determination.