One of the world’s top golfers left an interviewer lost for words when she explained why she was having on-course treatment during a tournament in California.
Lydia Ko, who is ranked number three in the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), was seen having her back stretched out by a physiotherapist during the Palos Verdes Championship.
The treatment led Golf Channel’s Jerry Foltz to ask the New Zealander if she expected this to be a recurring problem for her.
“I hope not,” answered Ko.
“It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, yeah, I got you.
“So, when that happens, my back gets really tight, and I’m all twisted.
“It’s not the first time that Chris has seen me twisted, but it felt a lot better after he came. So, yeah, there you go.”
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Foltz seemed a little surprised following the 25-year-old’s reply and simply responded, “Thanks.”
A laughing Ko added: “I know you’re at a loss for words, Jerry. Honesty it is.”
The golfer has been praised for her honesty about period pain and the effect it can have on performance.
Menstruation is still something of a taboo in sport but female athletes are starting to discuss how it can impact them physically.
In 2015 British tennis player Heather Watson crashed out of the Australian Open in the first round.
In the post-match interview she put her poor performance down to starting her period.
“I think it’s just one of these things that I have, girl things,” she said.
In some sports, such as hockey, women’s menstrual cycles are monitored so that training and diet can be adapted for the duration of their period.
