Periods are a natural phenomenon female athletes should celebrate rather than hide.
That’s according to professional athlete Emma Pallant-Browne, who proudly shared a photo of her menstruating during a triathlon in Ibiza.
The photo, which shows a small amount of blood on the bottom of Ms Pallant-Browne's swimsuit, was captured and shared online without her knowledge.
Ms Pallant-Browne told Moncrieff several people expressed sympathy that the photo was shared online – but she is not embarrassed.
“When the photographers sent out the pictures, I liked that they did send it, out because it’s not an embarrassing thing and we can totally normalise it,” she said.
Ms Pallant-Browne explained she typically pours water on herself to wash her suit if she's ever menstruating during a race - but she also thinks she "shouldn't have to worry about it".
In a post on Instagram, Ms Pallant-Browne said, “If you wrote to me saying 99% of the women you know would be mortified at this then that is exactly why I am sharing this, because there really is nothing wrong.”
She told Newstalk a professional athlete like herself is simply delighted she is still able to have a period, following physical difficulties.
View this post on Instagram
“I was so tight on my diet, I wanted to be the best, so I was super strict on what I was eating,” she said.
Ms Pallant-Browne's period returned following an injury that prevented her from running as much, but she said she is grateful for her health and doesn’t think she should hide it.
“It's natural and coming from eating issues as an endurance runner when I was growing up where I didn’t have my period, I now see it as beautiful,” she said on Instagram.
"Help make them comfortable"
Ms Pallant-Browne's training is affected by her period, and she is proud when she can perform well while menstruating heavily. She earned fourth place in the Ibiza triathlon.
Not enough people, particularly men, do not understand the “triumph” it is to get your period as a professional athlete, according to Ms Pallant-Browne – and those people should learn to support others more.
“If there are women around who don’t feel comfortable sharing that thing, help make them comfortable – don’t make it an even bigger topic by saying not to share pictures,” she said.
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