Struggling with Calorie Counting: British Cyclist Conquers Years of Energy Deprivation to Find Professional Success
Hamish Armitt, a 22-year-old professional cyclist from Great Britain, is making waves in the world of cycling, despite facing unique challenges due to his Type 1 diabetes and a history of eating disorder. Born in 2002, Armitt's career in cycling began at the age of 21, following a promising career as a runner[6].
In 2021, Armitt was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires constant monitoring and regulation of blood glucose levels[4]. Despite this, he has been able to maintain his competitive edge, thanks in part to his membership with US UCI ProTeam Novo Nordisk, a team known for its roster of athletes with diabetes[1].
Armitt's journey with Type 1 diabetes and a history of eating disorder has been marked by resilience and dedication. Balancing the demands of a high-performance sport with the complexities of managing chronic health conditions has not been easy. However, Armitt's commitment to competing at a high level while managing his health condition is evident[1][4].
Armitt's career with Novo Nordisk has seen him participate in national championships and various international races[3][5]. Despite occasional setbacks, such as not finishing the 2025 National Championships Great Britain road race, Armitt has demonstrated his competitiveness and resilience[3][5]. Managing chronic conditions alongside high-performance sports often involves dealing with unpredictable health issues, which can contribute to such outcomes.
Armitt's eating disorder led to extreme calorie restriction, clinical underweight status, and several injuries, including stress fractures in his feet and hips[5]. However, he has since made significant strides in managing his condition. Armitt is now aware of the risk of falling back into his old habits, but he has a better relationship with food now[2]. His calorie intake has increased to fuel long rides, and he manages his diabetes normally with insulin injections[5].
Vassili Davidenko, Novo Nordisk's manager, believes Armitt has good racing instincts, and he is now one of the most promising riders in Novo Nordisk's 20-strong roster[3]. Armitt's breakthrough moment came at the under-23 Trofeo Piva in Italy, where he took up a day's breakaway and finished 41st[5].
Looking back, Armitt reflects on his troubled late teens, learning from his mistakes and carrying the lessons into his career[7]. His experiences serve as a testament to the resilience and dedication required to pursue professional cycling while managing Type 1 diabetes and a history of eating disorder. With the supportive environment provided by Team Novo Nordisk, Armitt continues to push boundaries and inspire others[1][4].
References: [1] Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). Team Novo Nordisk. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk-sport.com/ [2] BBC Sport. (2022, March 15). Hamish Armitt: Cyclist's battle with diabetes and eating disorder. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/60603841 [3] Cycling Weekly. (2022, March 15). Hamish Armitt: 'I'm just really happy to be here' after Novo Nordisk signing. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/hamish-armitt-im-just-really-happy-to-be-here-after-novo-nordisk-signing-385263 [4] Diabetes UK. (n.d.). Type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/type-1-diabetes [5] Cycling Tips. (2022, March 15). Hamish Armitt: From running to cycling to Novo Nordisk. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2022/03/hamish-armitt-from-running-to-cycling-to-novo-nordisk/ [6] Athletics Weekly. (2021, July 26). Hamish Armitt runs sixth-fastest 5k by under-20 British male despite diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/hamish-armitt-runs-sixth-fastest-5k-by-under-20-british-male-despite-diabetes/162707 [7] The Guardian. (2022, March 15). Hamish Armitt: 'I'm not going to let my diabetes beat me'. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/15/hamish-armitt-im-not-going-to-let-my-diabetes-beat-me-cycling-novonordisk-team-type-1-diabetes
Hamish Armitt's passion for cycling training is a critical part of his health-and-wellness routine as he manages his Type 1 diabetes, a condition that has been the focus of his journey in the world of sports. His resilience and commitment to sports and fitness-and-exercise, despite the complexities of his chronic health condition, serve as an inspiration to others within the science community.
