“I Felt So Empty”: World Champion Us Star Reflects on Heartbreaking Struggles

Roisin Willis is an American middle-distance runner who has achieved great success. She emerged victorious in the 800 meters at the prestigious 2022 World Under-20 Championships and also contributed to the women’s 4×400 m relay triumph. With an impressive track record, Willis holds two NCAA championships. Her athletic gene runs in the family, as her mother, Breeda Dennehy-Willis, represented Ireland in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

Roisin attended Stevens Point High School in Wisconsin before pursuing her education and athletics career at Stanford University. Despite her successes, Willis bravely shared her battle with depression on Instagram following her fourth-place finish in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships’ 800-meters event.

Roisin Willis shares her battle with depression and finding hope

In an Instagram post, the 18-year-old athlete shared her personal struggles. She revealed experiencing insomnia during her early months at Stanford, which affected her enthusiasm for racing. Willis expressed, “After every race, I felt so empty.” Despite her achievements, she grew tired of using social media as a mere highlight reel and desired to reveal more about her true experiences. She honestly described the severe insomnia she faced, causing confusion and sleepless nights. Willis shared, “I’m still going through it and trying to take it one day at a time. I have faith that things will get better and that the pain will end.”

During the indoor season, her sleep improved, but she dealt with intense pre-race anxiety that left her feeling empty, even after winning a national title. As the outdoor season arrived, her emptiness intensified, leading to sleepless nights and feelings of worthlessness.

Willis reached her breaking point, seeking help and encouraging others to do the same before it was too late. Despite ongoing struggles, she holds faith in a brighter future and the end of her pain. Roisin Willis has achieved remarkable athletic feats throughout her journey.

Roisin Willis: A Journey of Athletic Triumphs

Willis holds various records, including the U.S. high-school indoor 800 meters record and the U.S. under-18 record for the outdoor 800 meters. Willis qualified for the 2020 US Olympic trials, reaching the semi-finals and finishing 13th. At the 2022 USATF U20 Outdoor Championships, she secured a silver medal in the 800 meters. She went on to make history at the World U20 Championships, breaking the championship record with a personal best of 1:59.13 in the 800 meters.

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Willis also contributed to the gold-winning women’s 4×400 meters relay. In the 2023 NCAA Division 1 Indoor T&F Championships, she achieved victory in the 800 meters. With that, she set a personal best and records. Additionally, she played a vital role in Stanford’s distance medley relay. Willis’s journey exemplifies her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

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