Last month, BBC released a documentary with Freddie Flintoff on his untold battle with Bulimia, a mental health condition that affects how someone perceives their body and their image. The documentary, which is almost an hour in length, is a deeply personal look at the former cricketer’s mental state, and is not only a terrific example of good journalism, but also an important talking point in the wider conversation about mental health.
Good journalism in a broad sense is being able to tell someone’s story in an effective way. It should be able to leave the desired effect on the audience after it has been viewed, whether that be a joyous one or an emotional, moving one. It should also never veer too far away from its subject matter, remain truthful, and even potentially ask tough questions which puts the viewer in a position to ponder these questions for themselves. This documentary does all of the above without compromise or filter, with Flintoff even questioning whether his struggle to open up about these issues for so long is part of a wider insecurity that men have when it comes to mental health issues.
The documentary tells the story of Freddie Flintoff’s journey as he struggled with Bulimia since the English media had hounded him over his fluctuating waistline, comparing how he looked when he started cricket at the age of 16 to when he was in his early 20s and beyond. Despite being on top of the cricketing world, he says how insecure he was about his size and how every meal made him feel anxious about putting on weight. It is a stark reminder that no one in the world of sport is immune to criticism or bad press, especially press as over the top as this.
The most significant question asked in the documentary was the following: “Why do men who suffer from Bulimia not seek professional help?”. The question was not only asked to Flintoff, but also to the men he was able to interview who also have similar struggles to his. It shines a light on the fact that many men are ashamed of having to go through what is seen as a female mental illness, which results in them suffering in silence.
The access that the production team got given is astounding. As mentioned, Flintoff is able to interview men who suffer in a similar situation as well as the family of a boy who sadly passed due to the disorder. Each interviewee is extremely open and honest about the ways which bulimia has affected their day to day lives which Flintoff has to be applauded for, as his presence as an interviewer is both comforting and reassuring for the interviewee having gone through the same experience.
Overall, I think this is an excellent piece of journalism and an important one at that. Seeing such a prominent male sports figure open up about their battle with a mental health disorder of any kind opens the door for further conversation and removes the stigma of seeking help if they also suffer from mental health issues, which is more important than ever in today’s society.
Owen Gardner's Sports Blog 