A triathlete has been hailed as an “inspiration” after sharing a photo from a recent race, in which she bled through her bodysuit while on her period.
Emma Pallant-Browne, a 34-year-old British multisport champion, was competing in the PTO European Open triathlon in Ibiza, Spain, on May 19 when a photographer snapped a picture of her running in a pink and blue swimsuit with a small blood stain.
The picture first went viral after it was shared on the Professional Triathletes Organization‘s Instagram and received a comment from a user who suggested that it would’ve been better “cropped”.
However, the champion’s response had fans praising her for not being ashamed of a natural bodily occurrence.
Check out Pallant-Browne’s photo below:
She boldly responded: “Thanks for caring but definitely something I’m not shy to talk about because it’s the reality of females in sport,” and stated that sometimes her heaviest period day falls on race days – which lasts for over three hours.
“So just as someone might get gut issues in a race I have to suck it up and give what I have and not be afraid to talk to women who have the same problem,” she further added.
Pallant-Browne took to her social media in May to share the viral image with a lengthy caption expressing her appreciation to her peers for reaching out to her to praise the photo – which has since garnered over 107K likes on the social media platform.
The athlete, who secured fourth place in the Open, said: “Humbled by the amount of messages I’ve had from both men and women (I am going to give menstrual cups another go) about the unglamorous reality of racing on your period. This is a true female sport and the more barriers we can break through the better.”
The athlete addressed the reality of competing while menstruating in her post. Credit: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
She explained her choice of swimsuit for the race, revealing that she sometimes “overheats and passes out in hot races,” and that menstruation also makes her body temperature higher. Pallant-Browne also rejected the idea of editing the photo, stating that “the idea to edit [the picture] means there is something wrong with it.”
“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 penned. “So if you have a photo like this, save it, cherish it, remember how you performed on a tough day because one day you might just be able to help someone else.”
The post generated a wave of support from fellow athletes and fans alike.
One person praised her as “an inspirational athlete and person,” while another echoed a similar sentiment, writing: “This beautiful woman races on the worst time of the month for any woman, she is a strong beautiful woman and an Inspiration for other women, I commend you, strong Lady.”
A third user remarked: “THIS is an incredible moment, thank you for sharing and thank you for fighting the period stigma.”
Olympian Steph Twell also commented: “My gal! So proud of you continuing to be you Em! Fearlessly fantastically female,” while fellow triathlete Skye Moench added: “Love this! I love having a period as it represents what we as women are capable of. And it’s a sign that our bodies are strong and fully functioning!!”
She hopes to help destigmatize periods in sport. Credit: Huw Fairclough / Getty
Pallant-Browne opened up about her menstrual cycle throughout her childhood in her post, voicing her gratitude for her period and the photograph for making rounds on the internet.
“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,” the athlete wrote.
“So if you have a photo like this, save it, cherish it, remember how you performed on a tough day because one day you might just be able to help someone else with it,” she concluded.
