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Mary Fowler's Memoir Details Self-Harm as Coach Targets January Return

Australia coach Joe Montemurro praises her honesty, signaling a January return from injury.

Paris 2024 Olympics - Football - Women's Group B - Australia vs United States - Marseille Stadium, Marseille, France - July 31, 2024. Mary Fowler of Australia in action with Sophia Smith of United States. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Overview

  • Fowler writes in Bloom that she struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts after moving to Montpellier at 17 under pressure to perform.
  • She recounts coming close to ending her life while playing in England at age 20, describing a night of acute distress.
  • Montemurro lauds the 22-year-old’s courage in speaking publicly and underscores the pressures faced by professional athletes.
  • Recovering from an ACL injury sustained in April, Fowler was left out of friendlies against New Zealand on November 28 and December 2, with a return expected in January.
  • Football Australia and Manchester City are coordinating her rehabilitation, with the Matildas emphasizing constant contact and support in and out of camp.