Tokyo Olympian Beth Dobbin spends 22 hours a day in bed due to chronic illness

LONDON: Former England Olympic athlete Beth Dobbin has a complex, chronic illness that has changed her life completely.

According to foreign media, the 32-year-old former sprinter now spends more than 22 hours a day in bed. She can get up only to eat and to use the toilet.

Five years ago, Beth Dobbin represented England at the Tokyo Olympics. She is now battling an illness called myalgic encephalomyelitis. The chronic condition causes symptoms such as severe fatigue, disturbed sleep, problems with memory and concentration, pain and physical weakness. Even slight physical or mental activity can worsen the patient’s condition for days or months.

Onset of the illness

According to Beth Dobbin, the illness began in the winter of 2021-22, after repeated infections of Covid and glandular fever. The symptoms were mild at first, but her health worsened over time.

Despite this, she competed in the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships. During the European Championships, she made a false start on the starting blocks because she lost feeling in her legs.

She said that diagnosis took time despite examinations by various specialists. So far, there is no proven cure or specific drug for the illness. Patients have to rely on medicines and supportive care to manage the symptoms.

Beth Dobbin says the illness is not just fatigue but affects every aspect of life. She has lost her health, independence, job and ability to exercise. This year, she has been able to leave the house only five times.

Reaction of parents and sister

Her father, Jim Dobbin, says he is ready to do anything to help his daughter, but feels helpless because of the limited treatment available. Her mother, Jane Dobbin, said the family worries every day about how Beth will be and who will look after her in the future.

Beth Dobbin’s younger sister, Fay Dobbin, has decided to run in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise awareness and funds for research. Donations raised through the campaign will go to ME Research UK.

The number of people with the illness in the United Kingdom is reported to be more than 400,000. According to some estimates, however, the actual figure could exceed one million.

According to Beth Dobbin, the rise in research on long Covid after Covid has also increased attention on this illness. She hopes this will lead to better treatment in future.

She said she is telling her story so that the difficulties of people with the illness are understood and they are believed, rather than being labelled lazy or idle. In her words, an athlete’s sudden absence from sport shows that the illness is far more serious than mere fatigue.