The Hidden Reality of Elite Athletes
For many, elite athletes represent peak performance. But their rigorous training often pushes the human body to its limits, sometimes revealing vulnerabilities. Meaghan, like many other female athletes, has experienced urinary incontinence—a condition that affects between 28% and 80% of female athletes depending on their sport. High-impact activities such as gymnastics, trampolining, ballet, hockey, and track and field see the highest rates of stress urinary incontinence due to intense abdominal pressure.
Despite the prevalence of this condition, it remains largely taboo. Meaghan explains:
“I don’t understand why urinary incontinence is associated with weakness. To me, it’s not a reason to judge someone. This situation doesn’t define anyone. In diving, it happened to me often, but I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who were open to talking about it.”
Shifting the Narrative with TENA
Meaghan’s partnership with TENA is a powerful step toward dismantling the stigma around urinary incontinence. The campaign, Who Are You Calling Weak?, encourages open, intergenerational conversations to normalize this condition.
Natali Nino-Rivero, Brand Manager at TENA Canada, emphasizes the importance of the campaign:
“Incontinence impacts 50% of adult women, yet it remains a topic cloaked in shame. When we approached Meaghan, we didn’t expect such vulnerability. She shared her reality with incredible honesty, showing how determination and confidence can coexist with challenges like bladder leakage.”
Through her collaboration with TENA, Meaghan represents countless women who live with this condition, proving that strength isn’t about being flawless but embracing life with resilience and authenticity.
Life After Diving: A New Chapter
Now retired from competitive diving, Meaghan has shifted her focus to teaching CrossFit in Quebec, where she empowers others through fitness. As a new mother to baby James, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women’s health and self-acceptance.
Meaghan believes that open conversations are key to breaking down barriers:
“The more we talk about urinary incontinence, the more comfortable we’ll be. If I can use my voice to help other women feel less alone, I’m happy to do so.”
Why It’s Time to Talk About Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is far more common than many realize. Google Trends data reveals a 500% increase in searches related to incontinence over the past year, with Canadians showing particular interest in education, treatments, and products.
Each month, approximately 30,000 searches in Canada focus on adult incontinence products, highlighting the growing demand for solutions that allow individuals to live confidently. This surge reflects a shift in public perception: people are seeking ways to navigate life while managing this condition, proving the need for greater awareness and acceptance.
Breaking the Stigma
Meaghan’s journey teaches us that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. By sharing her experiences, she normalizes a condition that affects millions, paving the way for others to speak out and seek support.
Her collaboration with TENA showcases the power of representation. When women like Meaghan—an Olympian, a mother, a mentor—open up, they help redefine societal narratives about what it means to be strong and capable.
What You Can Do to Normalize the Conversation
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the facts about urinary incontinence and share this knowledge with friends and family.
Speak Openly: Encourage conversations in your community to break down stigma.
Support Brands Advocating for Change: Companies like TENA are not just providing products but also leading the charge for awareness and acceptance.
Consult Healthcare Professionals: If you or someone you know is affected by urinary incontinence, seek guidance from a medical expert to explore treatment and management options.
Meaghan Benfeito’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience, honesty, and determination. By sharing her journey, she’s helping countless women embrace their realities without shame.
So, the next time you think of elite athletes, remember: they’re human too. And it’s in their humanity that their true power lies.
