The enormous pressure on elite athletes to maintain a lean figure could ultimately change the demographics of who can compete at the Olympics. That’s according to New York Times sports reporter Karen Crouse, who broke the news that figure skater Adam Rippon succumbed to an eating disorder to maintain his body shape. “The more it is about appearance, you’re going to get kids in the sport that are younger and younger. You have teenagers whose metabolism is still pretty high and they don’t have these weight issues,” she told Cheddar. “Maybe we are going to see in the future far fewer elite skaters that are 28 years old like Adam.” Rippon, who won a bronze medal in this year’s Games, revealed to Crouse that he subsisted for a time on a daily diet of three slices of bread with a dab of “I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter” and a couple cups of coffee. He thought the longer, thinner frame would be more aesthetically pleasing to the judges. But a broken foot last year changed his mind. “He actually thinks that one of the reasons he suffered this injury was that he wasn’t getting enough calcium and other nutrients, and that made his bones brittle,” Crouse said. “He’s now eating much better and actually is ten pounds heavier than he was two years ago when he won that national title. And if you look at him, he has an enviable body.” Since his injury, Rippon has been workin with a nutritionist with the United States Olympic Committee who’s helped him develop healthier eating habits.

Share:
More In Sports
MLS Kicks it With Esports
James Ruth, senior director for Major League Soccer, and Mike LaBelle, the New York Red Bulls' first official Esports athlete, discuss the new EMLS Cup. The EMLS Cup is in partnership with FIFA 18 and kicks off April 5th.
Kim's Impact and Hope's Departure
The Hive's hosts Jon Kelly and Kristen Scholer discuss the latest news in politics, business, and technology. From Hope Hicks' sudden departure from The White House to the Kardashian's impact on social media, we have you covered.
Between Bells: March 1, 2018
Vanity Fair's Hive: We’re joined by the crew at Vanity Fair's Hive to discuss Hope Hicks' resignation. On Between Bells: TV reboot fever, and E!'s Seacrest problem. With Diply, The Hollywood Reporter, Zimbio, and more.
Why Shadowhunters Star Isaiah Mustafa Smells Like Success
Tide made waves with its flurry of Super Bowl commercials. One of those featured the beloved Old Spice Guy, Isaiah Mustafa, who stars in the Freeform series, 'Shadowhunters.' He stops by to tell us about the upcoming season of the show, and what "the man your man could smell like" actually smells like.
One of the NFL's Favorite Labels Helps Kids Sport Their Best Attire
Adriaen Black is a made- to- measure luxury apparel company known for clothing some of the biggest names in sports. Now, Founder Andrew Jang is launching a project to design custom interview attire for teens in New York City's YMCA College and Career Access Programs. Jang stops by with a few of his clients: Oakland Raiders Quarterback EJ Manuel, Jermon Bushrod of the Miami Dolphins, Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Welcome to '"Flint Town"
The directors of the new Netflix documentary series "Flint Town," Drea Cooper, Zackary Canepari, and Jessica Dimmock, discuss the new show. "Flint Town" follows the lives of several police officers in the troubled city of Flint, Michigan.
Closing Bell: February 28, 2018
Spotify files to go public. Dick's will immediately stop selling assault rifles. President Trump meets with lawmakers on gun control. White House communications director Hope Hicks is resigning from her post. Facebook launching a new initiative to take on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Between Bells: February 28, 2018
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
Load More