Every time India Robinson got her period, she relied on “as many painkillers as possible” just to get through the day. As a professional surfer, she was no stranger to pushing through physical strain. But when medication stopped working and she was overwhelmed by fatigue and illness, she knew she couldn’t go on like this.
A Turning Point
After years of mysterious and debilitating symptoms, the 24-year-old was finally diagnosed with stage three endometriosis and a cyst on her left ovary — a familiar story for many women who spend years seeking answers.
“It was debilitating,” Robinson told ABC Sport. “Any time my period clashed with a competition, it was incredibly hard and it had a real impact on my career.”
Understanding Endometriosis
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
- Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the body.
- These tissues still respond to hormonal cycles, leading to internal bleeding, inflammation, and scarring.
- This can cause significant pain and other serious health issues.
Roughly 14% of those assigned female at birth are believed to have the condition, and diagnosis often takes 6–8 years.
For Robinson, symptoms ranged from persistent back pain and fatigue to vomiting and fevers on the first day of her cycle. These symptoms were worsened by repeated concussions sustained during her career.
After a concussion in July last year, Robinson took the opportunity to pause and prioritise her health.
“The best thing I did was get the surgery and remove that toxic build-up,” she said. “That allowed me to be healthy again. It was the hardest year of my life, but it ended up being the biggest blessing.”
Mental and Physical Reset
The surgery not only helped her physically but gave her the space to address her mental health as well. “Looking into underlying mental health issues was just as important,” she said.
Now feeling stronger and healthier, Robinson is ready to return to professional surfing at the World Surf League’s Challenger Series event in Newcastle this week.
Giving Back: ‘Queen in Me’
During her recovery, Robinson developed Queen in Me, an educational workshop program for girls. It’s aimed at helping young women handle social pressures and stay true to themselves.
“I want to give girls tools they can use every day to stay grounded and connected to who they are, so they don’t feel pressured into things they don’t want,” she explained.
One major focus of the program is promoting healthy body image and resisting unrealistic expectations often promoted on social media.
“Scrolling through Instagram and comparing yourself to a model in America—is that really going to help you reach your dream of being the next Matilda star?” she said.
Looking Ahead
Crowned the 2023 Challenger Series Champion, Robinson is determined to reclaim her place on the WSL tour—and to become the best surfer and athlete she can be.
