Endo & Sports

Kellie Barrett has been a Flag American Football player since the age of seven and joined the Great Britain programme at 15 years old. After years of dedication to the sport, she made history in 2024 as the first female head coach in the GB setup.

In 2023, Kellie had the honour of serving as the defensive captain when GB Women won the European Championships—a dream come true. However, she knew her body was struggling to keep her at the level she needed to be. The constant pain, fatigue, medication transitions, and ongoing treatments made it increasingly difficult to maintain peak performance.

Off the field, her journey has been equally challenging. From the age of 11, she experienced debilitating pain, repeatedly dismissed by doctors. It took 11 years for her to receive an official diagnosis of stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis, which affected her ligaments and tendons, as well as compromising her kidney, bladder, and bowel. Despite the severity of her symptoms, she was frequently told it was "just bad periods" or "probably trapped wind."

Her first surgery in 2022 provided some relief, but it wasn’t enough. In April 2024, a sudden haemorrhage left her hospitalised and terrified. It was only then, after 13 years of being ignored, that she finally received the help she needed. A five-hour operation saved her organs and gave her hope for the future.

Managing endometriosis while competing at an elite level has tested Kellie in ways she never imagined. But it has also taught her resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of support. Now, she shares her story to raise awareness, break the stigma, and help others feel less alone.

Kellie’s Story

Endometriosis has shaped my journey in ways I never expected, but it will never define me.

I started my period at 11 years old, and almost immediately, I knew something wasn’t right. The pain was relentless. Every complaint was brushed off as "normal", and I was placed on the pill at a young age to "regulate my cycle." By my late teens, I was constantly back and forth to doctors, searching for answers that never came.

Despite this, I threw myself into sport. Training for Great Britain’s programme was my dream, but it came with challenges most of my teammates never had to consider. I would set timers for medication, rely on a TENS machine between drills, and push through crippling pain. There were days when simply keeping up felt impossible, but I refused to let my condition define my career.

In 2023, I achieved one of my proudest moments—being named defensive captain when GB Women won the European Championships. Standing on that podium was a dream come true, but deep down, I knew my body was struggling. The constant pain, fatigue, and endless medication transitions were taking their toll. I tried everything—new treatments, different medications, alternative therapies—but I could feel my body fighting against me.

Then, in April 2024, everything changed. A sudden haemorrhage left me hospitalised, terrified, and still without answers. It was only when my family intervened that I finally got the medical attention I had been fighting for for over 13 years.

Four weeks later, I met the Director of the Endometriosis Clinic, the first consultant to truly listen. Two months later, an MRI confirmed the extent of my condition:

• Stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis, affecting my ligaments and tendons

• A compromised kidney, bladder, and bowel

• A tethered ovary and tube

• A frozen pelvis

• Retrograde bleeding, causing internal complications

The outcome could have been very different if we had waited any longer. I was told I needed a five-hour surgery to save multiple organs and preserve my fertility.

The surgery was a success. Three incredible surgeons didn’t just save my organs—they gave me hope. I’ll never forget the moment I FaceTimed my parents to tell them I could still give them a grandchild one day, even if a little extra help would be needed.

I spent extra time in hospital after my second surgery, leaving with four new scars and a long road to recovery ahead. I suffered from blood loss and atrial fibrillation (AF) in the aftermath, but for the first time, I felt validated and cared for. Surrounded by the best support system—my family and friends—I knew I wasn’t alone in this fight.

Throughout this journey, I had to make significant lifestyle changes to manage my condition alongside my sporting career. Switching to a gluten-free diet played a major role in reducing inflammation, improving my energy levels, and helping me perform at my best. But it was also a mental battle, knowing my body wouldn’t always recover the same way as my teammates.

Most importantly, I speak openly about my condition with anyone and everyone. It shouldn’t be taboo—it’s the reality that I and so many others live with every single day. Playing a sport with predominantly male coaches was difficult at first because the knowledge and firsthand understanding weren’t there. Instead of suffering in silence, I forced myself to be comfortable talking about it, explaining the extra support I needed, and making sure I wasn’t ignored.

This journey has tested me in every way—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But through it all, I’ve learned that:

• Advocating for yourself is crucial

• Support is everything

• Hope should never be lost

I share my story not for myself, but for those still undiagnosed, fighting to be heard, and scared for their future. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people, yet so many suffer in silence. Talking about it shouldn’t be taboo when it’s something people live with every single day.

Don’t give up. Keep fighting for the care you deserve.

Kellie’s Insights on Navigating Sports with Endometriosis

• Pain Management: Training while in pain required creative solutions—setting medication reminders, using a TENS machine, and pushing through unbearable discomfort when necessary.

• Fatigue & Recovery: Unlike my teammates, my body didn’t always bounce back. I had to listen to it, adapt my routine, and allow myself more rest than others.

• Compromised Organs: With a compromised kidney, bladder, and bowel, I had to be even more mindful of hydration, nutrition, and recovery to prevent flare-ups and further complications.

• Dietary Changes: To help manage inflammation and reduce symptoms, I transitioned to a gluten-free diet, which significantly improved my energy levels and reduced bloating and discomfort.

• Advocacy & Support: After years of being dismissed, I found the strength to demand proper care. The right medical team changed everything.

• Breaking the Silence: I openly discuss my condition with anyone and everyone. It shouldn’t be taboo—it’s the reality I and so many others live with daily. Playing a male-dominated sport meant that many of my coaches didn’t have the knowledge or firsthand understanding of my needs. I made it my mission to educate them, explaining the extra support I required to perform at my best.

• Mindset & Resilience: There were moments I questioned if I could keep going. But each setback made me stronger, proving that I was more than my illness.

Kellie Barrett