She often had to leave training with cramps due to her irritable bowel syndrome.
Denise, 50, says: “I’ve suffered since my teens. I was 19 when I had my first episode.
“Out of nowhere I started to feel cramping in my stomach. I was literally doubled over on the floor in the foetal position.
“Thankfully I don’t remember it affecting me at competitions, but it was definitely an issue in training. I would have severe bowel movements, which meant I’d have to excuse myself for half an hour.”
Denise wrote food diaries and took intolerance tests, recalling: “The things that were supposed to trigger me were garlic, onion and coffee.
“I would have been very conscientious about my diet. I was very well-hydrated and still I had symptoms.
“It’s been a constant factor in my life. I have been on the floor on cold tiles with the sweat just pouring out of me because of the pain.
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Denne historien er fra June 28, 2023-utgaven av Daily Star.
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