True Story London Podcast 32 - Beyond the Court w/Jess Kasriel
From Tennis Dreams to Healing: Jess Kasriel's Powerful Journey Beyond the Court
Jess Kasriel shares her transformative journey from being a top teenage tennis player facing immense pressure and outdated health attitudes to overcoming a seven-year battle with bulimia. She reveals how the elite sports environment often blamed and shamed young athletes for their struggles instead of providing proper support, illustrating this with her experience of being weighed weekly and being criticized for weight changes without professional guidance.
Despite the hardships and loneliness, Jess credits tennis for instilling determination and discipline in her life and for opening doors to education and friendships. The turning point came at university, where a supportive coach encouraged her to seek therapy, helping her begin recovery. Her experience led Jess to a career as a health and fertility coach, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, especially helping women with hormone health and infertility issues related to PCOS.
Jess emphasizes the critical role of family support and listening to one's own needs over external pressures, marking her story with resilience and hope that inspire others facing similar battles.
Jess's Tennis Journey and Struggles
- Jess Kasriel shares her journey as a 14-year-old ranked number two in UK tennis joining Bath Academy with intense pressure and loneliness.
- Despite success, she faced harsh coaching, isolation, and developing bulimia over seven years before recovery.
Adult Ignorance Impacted Mental Health
- The adults' ignorance and outdated attitudes at the academy worsened mental health and eating disorder issues.
- Coaches blamed Jess personally without providing professional support, reflecting systemic failure.