'To all the women suffering from endometriosis': Understanding Olympic medallist Brittany Brown's health condition

Third in the 200 m Olympic final on Tuesday evening, 29-year-old American Brittany Brown dedicated her bronze medal to women who, like her, suffer from endometriosis.

For Brittany Brown, the third place was a taste of victory. The American sprinter, bronze medallist in the 200 m at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday evening, took the floor after the race to dedicate her performance to "all women suffering from endometriosis".

"To all the women who have health problems, to all the women suffering from endometriosis, SPOK (polycystic ovary syndrome), to all the athletes who have contacted me saying: 'Nobody looks at me, the coaches don't pay attention to me', I'm with you, because I'm one of you," the tearful athlete let loose in front of the media. She also had a thought for "black-skinned women like me".

Third in a race won by her compatriot Gabrielle Thomas, Brown took time to savor her highly symbolic place on the podium. "I'm so grateful to have been able to be an example, to be able to be here, to live this moment and be useful. Because it's not about me. It's about the people who look like me, who see themselves in my story," added the 29-year-old, who was competing in her first Olympic Games.

Brown revealed earlier this year that she suffers from endometriosis, a chronic disease affecting around one in ten women. Typical symptoms include severe pain during menstruation and/or fertility problems.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause, World Health Organisation said in its website.

(L'Équipe)