Health · Medical Research · 2 weeks ago
Olympian Beth Dobbin says ME leaves her bedbound for more than 22 hours a day
Former British Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin says she is bedbound for more than 22 hours a day because of myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME.
She competed for Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and retired from athletics earlier in 2026 because of a serious health problem.
Dobbin says her symptoms worsened after illnesses including Covid and glandular fever in the winter of 2021-22.
ME can cause severe fatigue and other symptoms, and even talking or sitting up for a long time can leave her feeling worse.
Small everyday activities can trigger a crash that lasts for months, she says.
The illness has ended her athletics career and taken away her independence, including her ability to work and exercise.
ME has no cure or specific treatment, and the sources do not say what care or plans Dobbin has next.
Former British Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin says Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has left her bedbound for more than 22 hours a day.
The 32-year-old says she usually gets up only to eat and use the bathroom.
Everyday activities such as chatting or visiting a doctor can trigger a crash that may last for months.
She says she has left her house only five times in 2026.
Dobbin represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and retired from athletics earlier in 2026 because of a serious health issue.
- Who
- Beth Dobbin, a former British Olympic sprinter.
- What
- She says ME has left her bedbound for more than 22 hours a day.
- When
- The reports were published on 16 October 2026; she says she has left home five times in 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Dobbin says she was diagnosed with ME. The cause of ME is unknown, according to the NHS description cited by the Daily Mail.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dobbin tested positive for Covid twice and had glandular fever.
She competed at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships while experiencing worsening health.
Dobbin retired from athletics because of a serious and life-changing health issue.
BBC Sport and the Daily Mail published accounts of her experience living with ME.
- Age
- 32
- Bedbound
- More than 22 hours a day
- Time outside home
- Five occasions in 2026
- Olympics
- Represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021
- Diagnosis
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
3 sources
British Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin opens up on 'year of hell' after being diagnosed with M.E. - and reveals she is now bedbound 22 hours a day: 'It feels like you're days away from death'
'It feels like you're days away from death' - the Olympian who is bedbound for 22 hours a day
What people are saying
It's life-decimating like I can't even put into words
I feel like I've lost everything. I have still got my family, but I've lost my independence, my health, the ability to work, the ability to exercise.
it feels like you are a few days from death