Matildas star Katrina Gorry opens up about the ‘shift’ that led to her getting help for eating disorder

Matildas star Katrina Gorry says her Swedish footballer partner has helped her in ways “she didn’t know she needed” after she battled an eating disorder when she was younger.

Matildas star Katrina Gorry has opened up about how her Swedish footballer fiancee helps her in “ways she didn’t even know she needed” to build a healthier relationship with food after battling an eating disorder.

But for four long years, Gorry, who her teammates call Mini, remembers feeling completely trapped.

“I couldn’t even get out of bed, I just couldn’t see how I was ever going to feel better,” the Matildas midfielder said.

“I didn’t want to go to training or social events, or even play football, something I once loved.

“I lost all joy in life.”

Katrina Gorry struggled for years with an eating disorder.

In 2017 and aged 25, the star player was in Japan dealing with the breakdown of a long-term relationship and family struggles when her thinking with food began to sour.

With her life spiralling around her, Gorry needed a way to feel in control, something she found solace through with food.

Gorry, newly announced as an ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation, said although her road to recovery from her eating disorder began after seeking help from a psychologist, her biggest shift in perspective came after she fell pregnant while single via IVF in 2020.

Then the birth of Harper changed everything – including her love for football.

“My recovery journey has been long and gradual, with ups and downs.

“I finally admitted to my psychologist that I needed help.

“I just needed to open up to someone who would listen, they didn’t need to fix me, they just needed to be there and listen.

Matildas star Katrina Gorry when she announced second child with fiancee Clara Markstedt.

“One of the biggest shifts came when I became pregnant, that’s when I realised how much I loved and appreciated my body and how much respect I had for it.”

The Aussie star, currently playing for West Ham in the WSL, then started a relationship with former Vittsjo GIK teammate Clara Markstedt.

The pair then welcomed a son, Koby, in June 2024.

“Clara has been an incredible support for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed,” she said.

“She creates a safe space where I feel comfortable being honest about my struggles.

“She’s helped me build a much healthier relationship with food by encouraging balance and showing me that sharing meals is about love and connection, not control.”

She said there were still days where thoughts or behaviours crept in.

“But it’s about having the tools to manage those moments,” she said.

“Having a supportive partner who understands, is patient, and is there to help me navigate those challenges has been so healing and helpful.

“Clara never makes me feel judged; instead, she reassures me and helps me reframe my thoughts, reminding me of what truly matters — being strong, happy, and present for our family.

Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper holding her little brother Koby Peter David Gorry and Gorry’s fiancee Clara Markstedt. Picture Instagram

“Having someone who sees me and loves me for who I truly am, beyond my past struggles, has been life-changing.”

Gorry said she wanted her children to understand that food wasn’t something to fear.

“It’s easy to get caught up in how we look, but I want anyone struggling to know that your worth is never defined by your appearance,” she said.

“We live in a world that places so much pressure on how we look, but what truly matters is how we feel inside.

Matildas star Katrina Gorry is an ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation.

“Be kind to yourself and remember that we’re all going through something, talking about what you’re going through is so important.”

CEO of the Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s largest charity for eating disorders and body image issues, Dr Jim Hungerford said research showed the number of people affected by eating disorders was increasing and the impacts were worsening.

“There is a real need for change,” he said.

“We know that eating disorders don’t always look the same, you can’t tell that someone is struggling simply by looking at them which is why we’re proud to educate the community, challenge stigma, and, most crucially, direct people to support.”

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:

Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or [e-mail]

Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23

For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14

Originally published as Matildas star Katrina Gorry opens up about the ‘shift’ that led to her getting help for eating disorder