A professional athlete often comes with the assumption of a perfectly healthy mind and body. Endlessly fit, resilient, and immune to the pressures of everyday life. But in this episode of Well, former professional surfer and seven times world champion, Layne Beachley challenges that idea.

In this conversation, Layne reflects on her experience as a chronic “yes” person, and what it took to finally start saying no. She opens up about navigating chronic fatigue, learning to recognise her limits, and the moment she realised she had to stop pushing through and start listening to her body.

Layne unpacks her evolving relationship with food and exercise, and why what works for a pre-menopausal body doesn’t always work post-menopause. She shares the surprising truth she had to learn the hard way that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your body is nothing at all.

And in a full-circle moment, she reflects on the pride she now feels watching the next generation of surfers surpass her, proving she’s not just one of the greatest athletes of all time, but a true champion of women in sport.

This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation, body image concerns, and dieting. Please take care while listening.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings and if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Layne Beachley

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.