Queen of Sports

Derby-Winner Calvin Borel Discusses Bulimic Past

May 14th, 2010 | Posted by Queen of Sports in Horse Racing

Jockey Calvin Borel who rode Super Saver to the finish line at the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago opened up to Sports Illustrated about his struggles with bulimia to keep his weight down over a 15-year period.

“I hated it so much,” Borel said. “Once I started, I couldn’t get away from it. It’s worse than taking drugs. You can’t stop. It was taking away all my energy. I hated it. Sometimes I’d be out at night with people and all I could think about was, ‘Where am I going to heave after I eat this?’ I always had it in my head.”

The jockey almost quit in 2006 from the stress of the eating disorder. After a terrible crash that left him in the hospital, Calvin was able to kick the disease and get on a healthy nutritional plan.

Calvin now starts his day with an egg and toast and has meat or fish at night along with steamed vegetables.

Calvin will ride Super Saver at the Preakness Stakes this Saturday.