The Team

BA, MA , MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP

Dr Nicky Keay is a Sports and Exercise Dance Endocrinologist with decades worth of experience in RED-S and more credentials than we have the capacity to list! As an experienced ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, Nicky has previously applied her clinical, research and athletic experience to working with numerous sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, the Australian Institute of Sports and the University of Geneva. She is now dedicated to helping a wide range of male and female athletes overcome RED-S related issues.

Nicky also writes for the Health4Performance website, which provides comprehensive science-based RED-S information, and regularly contributes to the leading academic publication the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Nicky has been an enormous support to Project RED-S from the start - even before our inception! She helped our founder, Pippa, recover from RED-S herself and has been our our 'go to' for medical questions and quandaries ever since. You'll find lots of her inspiring award-winning work on our website, within our athlete, coach and supporter resources.

Dr Rachel Langbein is an ex-endurance athlete and University of Birmingham graduate who experienced RED-S herself. Fascinated by the topic and passionate about pushing for change, she subsequently took on a PhD research project exploring the often-overlooked psychological aspect of the condition. After her seminal paper, “I’d got self-destruction down to a fine art”, was met with a hugely positive response, she published a second with an equally powerful title: "It's hard to find balance when you're broken". Now working as a Behavioural Scientist & Researcher, Rachel maintains a strong interest in sport and exercise psychology while continuing to push RED-S research to the fore. She is our fount of all knowledge in the research world and we are seriously thankful for her help in sifting through the science to find the most articles & papers for our readers.

England Hockey Player Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist and Performance Consultant
EMCC Qualified Coach
Moonshot Series Founder & Director

Jenna brings an impressive range of experience across many environments, both as an athlete and a sport psychology consultant. She played national level and junior international level hockey before transitioning into sports marketing and then into sport and exercise psychology, where she spent time working with The Football Association, based at St George’s Park.

She’s now an independent consultant and passionate about helping people to realise their potential, achieve their goals and live more fulfilled lives. Having witnessed countless fellow athletes suffer from RED-S over the years, Jenna is a huge Project RED-S promoter and applies her invaluable understanding of the psychology behind RED-S to helping others overcome it.

Dr Karsten Köhler is a Research Professor at Germany's Technical University of Munich. Specialising in the regulation of energy balance and its implications for metabolism, health and performance, there’s not much Karsten doesn’t know about RED-S. He and his group have conducted a number of laboratory and field studies on the effects of low energy availability on hormonal outcomes across all life stages. Karsten’s long list of accolades, awards and research papers span across several institutions in both Germany and America and we’re grateful for the diverse and expert experience he applies to supporting Project RED-S.

Jessie Diggins is a multiple-olympic-medal-winning-cross-country-skiing-extraordinaire. After bagging America's first ever cross country skiing gold medal at the 2019 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, she went on to win two more (bronze and silver) in Beijing 2022. Beyond her impressive sporting achievements, Jessie is a passionate ambassador and spokesperson for a wide range of causes, including Project RED-S. After struggling with RED-S and seeking treatment for an eating disorder at the the Emily Program, she documented her journey towards self-acceptance and working to de-stigmatise eating disorders in her autobiography, Brave Enough. We couldn't be prouder to have her help, waving the Project RED-S flag in America.

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, PhD (History), MCSP

Andy is a First Team Physiotherapist for Manchester United football team, having previously served as British Athletics' technical lead therapist through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As a physio, Andy has supported athletes through numerous other major competitions and as a coach, he has guided athletes them to national titles and international representation. As a man of many, many talents and a sound understanding of RED-S, we are thrilled to have Andy increasing RED-S awareness, understanding and prevention practices among athletes, coaches and physios across the UK.

Rich is an ex-elite distance runner, English Schools Champion and European Cross Country Silver Medalist. After facing a difficult spell of injuries during his time on scholarship at the University of Oregon in 2012, Rich has since learned the importance of listening to his body and avoiding nutritional deficiencies at all costs. As a guy who's not afraid to talk openly about the importance of looking after your body and mind, we're thrilled to have him sharing the male perspective on RED-S.

Kate is one of Britain's best distance runners. Often dubbed as the 'Queen of Cross Country', she's won 11 European medals - 3 individual and 8 as part of Team GB. Across the pond, Kate became the first British woman to win the NCAA Women's Division I Cross Country Championship in 2014, running for Iona College. She isn't too shabby on the track either and has competed in a World, European and Commonwealth championships.

Kate has spoken openly about her experiences of RED-S and by doing so, helps raise awareness of this all-too-common condition among distance runners. Still at the top of her game, Kate is a shining example of overcoming setbacks and still striving for the top.

Coach at USA Cycling; PhD candidate, Leeds Beckett University BSc (Hons) Politics, MSc (Exercise and Nutrition Science)

As the Men’s Track Endurance Coach at USA Cycling, Rob has supported several athletes through major competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, World Championships, and the inaugural UCI Track Champions League. He previously worked with the Japanese national track cycling team as a performance scientist, researching and implementing innovative performance enhancing methods (the non-dodgy kind!). In his PhD, Rob is exploring the performance determinants of the Omnium...which he simplifies to 'the study of racecraft' - cool eh!

Rob is well aware of both the prevalence and perilous effects of RED-S and strives to increase awareness and understanding amongst athletes and coaches in the cycling world.

Rachael Flatt, M.A., is a 2010 Olympian, U.S. National Champion, and World Junior Champion in women's figure skating. After retiring from skating in 2014, she graduated from Stanford University, with a Bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She then served as the Programs Director at the Center for m2Health and managed several research studies that leveraged digital mental health tools to improve treatment outcomes, particularly for eating disorders. Impressive huh!

Having experienced the effects of internet-fueled body shaming throughout her time as a figure skater, Rachel has turned her talents to improving the mental health of other athletes. In 2018, she began her doctoral studies in UNC-Chapel Hill's Clinical Psychology program under the mentorship of Dr. Cynthia Bulik. Here, she continues to research eating disorders with a focus on digital mental health tools and athlete mental health. She also plays an active role in the sports community as an athlete representative for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Mental Health Task Force and Racial and Social Justice Council, U.S. Figure Skating's Board of Directors, and as U.S. Figure Skating's Chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee, among other positions...She's a busy gal and we're so grateful for her support!

MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology; BSc in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science

England Athletics Level 2 Coaching Qualification; Safeguarding in Athletics Qualification and Enhanced DBS Check

Leah is accomplished elite athlete, coach, psychologist (IT) and awesome role model to women in sport. With her significant personal experience of overcoming adversity, coupled with her sound knowledge of RED-S, she now offers a listening ear to those who face such challenges. Leah’s coaching philosophy centres on helping others understand their 'why' and facilitate personal growth in line with what truly matters - on and off the sports field. We are so proud to have this superwoman on board.

BA (Hons), Chartered Occupational Psychologist, AFBPsS 

As director of Broadhead Performance and previously part of the director team that created Chimp Management with Prof. Steve Peters (author of The Chimp Paradox), Sarah has a track record of helping people thrive at the highest levels in sport, and life. Sarah has an interest in all aspects of mental health and wellbeing and volunteers her free time at eating disorder recovery charity - First Steps Derby - and 65 Degrees North  - helping servicemen and servicewomen recover from injuries. We are seriously thrilled to have such an acclaimed and passionate PRS ambassador on board. 

Imogen is a registered dietitian specialising in eating disorders and gut health. After years of training at an elite level and suffering from RED-S, disordered eating and IBS herself, she completed a sports nutrition masters followed by a holistic health coaching qualification, giving her the full personal and professional skillset to empathise and advise others who are struggling. Imogen blends Western and Eastern approaches to wellbeing in her practice and looks at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person’s life in order to give the most effective personal treatment for recovery.

Rowan is a super speedy marathon runner (2.26) who has had his fair share of highs and lows. After having to press pause on his degree at St Marys University due to an eating disorder, he made it through the other side with a whole new perspective on nutrition, running and life. He now openly shares his story with hopes of supporting others through their struggle with RED-S or EDs.

Verity is an elite British middle-distance runner who won bronze in the women's 3000 metres event at the 2021 European Athletics Indoor Championships, among a myriad of other accomplishments. As a talented sous-chef, writer and poet, we can all learn a thing or two from a role model who shows us all how to strike the balance between sport and other passions. We are so proud to have this shining star on board - however fast she runs - and grateful for her contribution to our blog section too!

BSc(hons) Pg. Dip. RD
Sports & Eating Disorders Dietitian 
UKA Athletics Coach 

Alex is a registered clinical and sports dietitian with over 15 years experience. A successful athlete herself, Alex supports a wide range of others with nutrition management, from ultra-distance adults to elite level juniors and anyone in between. Alongside her private practice, Alex works as a Specialist in Eating Disorders for the NHS and has an in-depth understanding of the ED behaviours often intertwined with RED-S. We’re thrilled to have her here, extending her RED-S expertise to the wider sports community.

After tackling her own RED-S issues, international distance runner Hannah wants to help change the narrative by speaking out about her own experiences on her blog. She has also contributed to a powerful piece in Runners World and we're grateful for her advocacy work on other athletes' behalf.

Steve is a 55 year-old retired US Coast Guard Officer and life-long (non-elite) athlete from Massachusetts, USA. As a runner and triathlete in the 1980s, he developed a life-threatening eating disorder (anorexia nervosa). At the time there were little opportunities for effective treatment and males with an ED were especially stigmatized. After “managing” the problem, maintaining a reasonably healthy weight for several decades and developing a severe generalized anxiety, it later recurred in a subtler way - RED-S. Now working on his recovery, Steve channels his challenges into a positive force for change by writing blogs and poems about his struggles. We're thankful to have him on board representing the ever-stigmatised male ED population and sharing his perspective on the life-altering consequences of RED-S.

Anna is an endurance athlete, former Respiratory Physiotherapist and current Advanced Critical Care Practitioner in training. Anna has significant first-hand experience of RED-S and is committed to raising awareness of energy-related issues within the physiotherapy profession. As if that wasn't enough, this passionate Project RED-S ambassador has applied her knowledge and writing skills to several articles published in Athletics Weekly, Fast Running & Women’s Running and shared her story on BBC radio in 2018.

Cerian is a Welsh swimmer (and national champion no less), specialising in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke. While training & studying Biological Science at Loughborough she developed her own RED-S diagnosis and openly documented her struggles on social media. Through doing so, she has inspired an enormous number of others to lead a more sustainable sporting lifestyle through improving body image and their relationship with food and exercise. We are proud to have this passionate advocate and swimming superstar on board.

Evan is a sports dietitian working primarily with endurance athletes to help them meet their fuelling needs, or deal with the various effects of RED-S. Whether it's inadvertent under-fueling, eating disorders, stress fractures, nutrient deficiencies and other issues related to inadequate nutritional intake, there's nothing he hasn't worked with.

Evan's personal background is in international race walking, though his own career was cut short by poor dietary management. Now helping to help others avoid the same mistakes, Evan has also become a voice for men who suffer from RED-S and offer a healing hand to those currently struggling.

Emelia is a ex-international runner with impressive credentials. After winning bronze for Great Britain in the 3000m at the 2012 World Junior Championships, she bagged gold at the 2013 European Juniors and also holds two individual European junior XC titles (2011, 2013) to her name. She holds multiple records and has countless team medals, but we’re most proud of her for her graceful transition away from the sport and into working life. Now a Special Needs Assistant at a primary school in Surrey, she cares for and supports others, whatever their endeavours. We can't wait to see what the next chapter brings and are incredibly proud to have her repping Project RED-S.

Emily Hayward is a British ice skater,  2x Junior National Champion and international medallist. Through her experiences in both individual and pairs skating, Emily understands how easily an aesthetic and weight-focussed sport can create a dangerous environment for disordered eating and training practices. Now working as a coach, she’s an awesome advocate for stamping out toxic comments and ensuring any athlete can enjoy sport without discrimination, bullying or body image pressures.

Gemma is a World Championships and Commonwealth Games competitor and British National Champion in the 20km Racewalking event. Formerly a competitive runner, Gemma experienced University life across both sides of the pond, at the University of Birmingham (UK) and McNeese State University in America.

Gemma now works as an independent public health researcher and was awareded the prestigious position of Running Mayor of Leeds in 2021.

Gemma has experienced the effects of RED-S firsthand and continues to work on balancing her training and recovery appropriately. She is keen to raise awareness of RED-S amongst medical professionals, coaches and athletes and is an invaluable contributor to the Project RED-S.

Laura is a middle and long-distance runner who has competed in two Olympic 1500m finals (London 2012 & Rio 2016) and won multiple European and Commonwealth medals (1500m & 5000m). She holds the prestigious British Road Mile Record (4.17.6), which ranks her in the world all-time top 25, and is the 3rd fastest British female of all time over 5000m (14:35.44). 

Besides chasing her own athletics goals, Laura is a qualified coach and experienced mentor who helps the next generation of young athletes achieve theirs. Having witnessed the effects of RED-S among a concerning number of others throughout her elite career, she is also passionate about bringing these issues to light. As an elite athlete who sets a fantastic example of striking the balance between training, rest and nutrition, we are seriously thankful to have this positive and proactive role model on board.

Jip Vastenburg is a Dutch distance runner and Psychology student, based in Manchester (UK). After winning a European Junior title in the 5000m, she went on to secure 4th in her first senior 10km Championships. Since then, Jip has overcome difficulties in her relationship with food, alongside the physical effects of RED-S. Now running for Team New Balance in Manchester, Jip's goals are to improve and enjoy every step she takes towards doing so. She's also committed towards sharing the message that every body type or shape can succeed in sport and we are so grateful to her for doing so. 

Michael Sametz is a Canadian road cyclist competing on the Canadian Para-cycling National Team in the C3 classification. His accomplishments include a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics and consecutive gold medals in 2017 and 2018 at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships (C3 road time trial). Michael has suffered his fair share of illness and injury in sport, including RED-S. While working hard to overcome these challenges, he is keen to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of overtraining and under-fuelling among others.

Paris is a collegiate distance runner who is currently recovering from RED-S and helping others by sharing her experiences on social media. Currently studying a degree in Psychology, Paris plans on pursuing a career to continue advocating for better prevention and recovery outcomes for those with RED-S. We're so grateful for her support in understanding the collegiate athlete's perspective surrounding common pitfalls and challenges.

Andy is an ex-elite collegiate distance runner, Chicago Public Schools Champion, and Illinois All-State Athlete. As a result of RED-S, Andy dealt with a string of difficult injuries and illnesses while running for Vanderbilt University in 2021 and 2022, and now understands the dangers brought about by overtraining and under-fueling. While working to overcome these challenges, Andy is committed to raising awareness of these hidden issues so that every athlete can be healthy, supported, and successful in their sporting endeavours.