Golf world No. 3 Lydia Ko has been praised for normalizing the effects of periods on women in sport after giving a male interviewer her answer to a question about an on-course treatment she received at an LPGA event received in California, left speechless.
The New Zealander was seen being stretched by her physiotherapist midway through the final round of the Palos Verdes Championship on Sunday, prompting Golf Channel commentator Jerry Foltz to inquire about the tension in her back and hips would be a recurring problem.
“I hope not,” said Ko. “It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, yeah I got you.
“So when that happens, my back gets really tight and I’m all twisted. It’s not the first time Chris has seen me twisted, but it felt a lot better after he came. So yeah, let’s go.”
Foltz struggled to find a suitable answer and only came up with a “thank you”. For her part, Ko was able to laugh at the awkward moment, saying, “I know you’re at a loss for words, Jerry. Honesty is it.”
Ko has been widely praised for speaking candidly on a subject that obviously causes embarrassment in some circles and is rarely spoken about openly.
There is a growing understanding of the impact of menstruation and premenstrual syndrome on female athletes. For some professional athletes, menstruation is monitored by their sport’s governing body, with training adapted to different points in their cycle.
But only recently have athletes spoken publicly about how this can affect performance.
At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui earned praise after her team placed fourth in the 4x100m medley relay.
In 2015, British tennis player Heather Watson attributed her poor performance at the Australian Open to the start of her period.
Following Ko’s comments, New Zealand Green Party vice-president Marama Davidson said the menstrual pain issue had “definitely not been given enough recognition”.
Great work by Joe Porter on @NZMorningReport right now to normalize the menstrual pain issue for athletes given Lydia Ko speaking openly about menstrual symptoms. Definitely not recognized enough.
— Marama Davidson MP (@MaramaDavidson) May 2, 2022
Clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo, who has worked extensively with elite athletes, told New Zealand’s Today FM that it was refreshing to hear a truthful account of menstruation’s impact on performance, rather than hiding it behind other “complaints”.
“It’s really healthy that we actually mention it as a normal part of sport that needs to be considered not just physically but mentally as well. We have to take into account that people go through cycles and we have to keep that in mind when planning training and events.”
“Menstrual problems are a common part of elite sport and we finally have an outlet to discuss it,” said Nimmo. “So go Lydia, I say.”
Lydia Ko just said…
“It’s that time of the month. You know, my back hurts.” @JerryFoltzGC had absolutely no idea how to move on.
My night (maybe year) was made. 😂😂😂
— Lisa Cornwell (@LisaMCornwell) May 2, 2022
Despite Ko’s discomfort, the 25-year-old former world No. 1 finished second at the tournament in Los Angeles, two strokes behind winner Marina Alex.
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