CanWNT star Shelina Zadorsky reveals extent of medical ordeal

Shelina Zadorsky, the Canadian international defender and captain of England's Tottenham, has revealed the medical ordeal she experienced after contracting COVID-19 in mid-December.

In a social media post and video, Zadorsky explained how her health deteriorated, stating that she had been dealing with health challenges relating to COVID, illness, fatigue and various other symptoms.

"First let me say this is not a poor victim-me story, not is it to say that people haven't gone through much worse than I can probably ever relate to. However, it's simply where I am at," wrote Zadorsky.

I’ve always believed there’s great power in vulnerability and in owning your truth. Cheers to being true to yourself and hopefully helping others along the way. Swipe through if you want to read. All love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9gdNryaik5

— Shelina Zadorsky (@Shelina4) April 4, 2023

Zadorsky took six days off during Christmas to recover from COVID-19 but returned to training only to be struck by a string of flus and colds. She played for the Canadian team in the SheBelieves Cup after testing negative for COVID-19 in February, but she felt unwell and missed training and the tournament opener against the U.S.

She played for 45 minutes against Brazil and the full 90 against Japan before returning to England for an FA Cup game against Reading.

"You brave the smile, you downplay how sick you feel, and you march on," she wrote.

"Meanwhile, only the people who are closest to you know your energy is depleting and they take the brunt of that downfall."

However, she realized that her body and mind were not in a good state and finally informed her Tottenham coach that she was not physically or mentally prepared to be at her best for the team.

"I like to believe that where the mind goes the body follows, but in this instance, I truly felt that where my body went, my mind followed into the deep, dark and untouched waters,” she wrote.

Zadorsky was assigned to the bench for the game, hoping that she would not be called upon. After the match, she opened up to doctors and coaches, stating that she was not okay. Further testing in February revealed that she had contracted glandular fever and tested positive for celiac disease.

The good news is that Zadorsky is back in training and will be stronger than ever. She says that being back on the pitch with her teammates is unreal and that she will continue to prepare to perform at her absolute best for her club and country.