In a powerful op-ed, former Nike athlete Sarah Lane reveals the harrowing experiences she faced while training under the company’s Oregon Project, revealing a culture of pressure and abuse that left her both emotionally and physically scarred. Lane, once hailed as one of the fastest female runners in the U.S., shared how the relentless focus on her weight led to severe health issues, including the absence of her menstrual cycle for three years and multiple bone fractures.
Lane joined the program with high hopes of becoming the “greatest female athlete,” but what she found was a toxic environment dominated by male coaches fixated on her weight. She recounted that their mantra was that she needed to be “thinner and thinner,” with no proper nutritionist available to guide her or other athletes. The pressure to meet an arbitrary weight of 114 pounds from her coach, Mark Thompson, eventually took a toll on her body, leading to debilitating injuries and deep psychological distress. “The system is ruining young girls’ bodies,” she stated, explaining how missing her periods disrupted her estrogen levels, critically impacting her bone health.
Another athlete, Lisa Jordan, who also trained under Thompson, echoed Lane’s sentiments, describing the suffocating atmosphere where ambition often overshadowed well-being. “You’re constantly reminded how fortunate you are to be in such a program, making it hard to walk away,” Jordan explained. “The fear of missing out on opportunities makes you question everything, including your own health.”
This harsh training regime, which mirrors the approach often applied to male athletes, neglects the unique needs of female competitors, implying that women’s health and mental wellness are secondary to performance. Such an attitude sends a damaging message that success comes at the cost of one’s well-being.
In response to the allegations, a Nike spokesperson acknowledged the need for improvement within the sports industry to better support female athletes. Lane’s parents were reportedly devastated upon learning of their daughter’s struggles, ultimately encouraging her to leave the program. “They were horrified and immediately booked me a flight home,” Lane recalled. “At that point, I was no longer aiming for the Olympics; I just wanted to survive.”
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In summary, Sarah Lane’s courageous revelations shed light on the damaging practices within competitive sports, particularly for female athletes, underscoring the urgent need for systemic changes that prioritize health and well-being over unrealistic expectations.