Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin describes life largely confined to bed with ME

British Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin says she now spends more than 22 hours a day in bed after being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. In an interview published by BBC Sport on Friday, the 32-year-old described losing her independence and ability to work or exercise.

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Dobbin told the BBC she had left home only five times this year and now gets out of bed only to eat and use the bathroom. She said even a medical appointment could be followed by months of deterioration, and feared the effort of giving the interview could have lasting consequences.

Her sporting record underlines how much her circumstances have changed. According to Team GB's athlete profile, Dobbin reached the Olympic 200m semi-finals in Tokyo after finishing second in her heat. She placed fifth in her semi-final and did not reach the final. Before becoming a full-time athlete, she combined training with reception work at Loughborough University's sports facilities, remaining a part-time competitor until 2019.

The NHS describes ME, also called chronic fatigue syndrome, as a long-term illness affecting different parts of the body. Its principal symptoms include severe fatigue, disrupted sleep, difficulties with memory and concentration, and a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity. That deterioration, known as post-exertional malaise, can take weeks to resolve; it is not simply ordinary tiredness following exercise.

NHS guidance says there is currently no cure, although treatment can help manage symptoms. Diagnosis depends on a person's symptoms and on excluding other possible conditions, rather than on a single specific test. The health service also notes that the illness can fluctuate, requiring lasting changes to daily routines and activities. Some people with severe illness may be housebound or confined to bed.

Dobbin said she wanted to use her public profile to help people whose illness is not believed, despite the personal cost of speaking out. Her sister Faye is due to run Sunday's Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for ME Research UK, the BBC reported.