Training Since the Age of 3, Severe Health Disease Shattered Bella Hadid’s Olympic Dreams Turning Into Biggest Heartbreak in 2015

Supermodel Bella Hadid grew up on a horse ranch, developing an intense connection with the animals. The model dreamt of pursuing a career as an equestrian due to her interest in horse riding since childhood. However, her life came crashing down when she and her brother, Anwar, were diagnosed with a severe health disease in 2013.

In her blog post, Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Foster, opened up about her daughter’s dream and its fall in 2015. Bella had built up her skills and contemplated participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Let’s take a look at what caused the supermodel to give up.

A health disease broke Bella Hadid’s Olympic dreams

Living on a horse ranch and having a mother who knew all about horses, Bella’s fascination with the animal grew more each day. When she was three, the supermodel began riding horses and practicing hard to become an equestrian. Eventually, when the time came, she considered training for the Olympics in 2016. That was until her disease symptoms intensified.

Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a medical condition that’s transmitted through infected black-legged ticks. While the symptoms usually include fever, fatigue, and a typical skin rash, just like a normal infection, Lyme disease can be persistent.

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In a blog post on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ page, Yolanda Foster wrote about the shocking decision Bella made. Since the family spent over ten years in a horse ranch close to nature, such a disease wasn’t uncommon. But the supermodel having to give up her dreams of having a professional riding career was heartbreaking. Foster wrote, “Bella had to give up her lifelong dream of having a professional riding career and a shot at the Olympics due to her severe symptoms and inability to ride. This was the biggest heartbreak of her life”.

But that did not stop her. She immersed herself in her career as a model and social justice advocate. Hadid has always been vocal about her views on various socio-political issues and participates in community activities whenever possible. In 2021, the star volunteered with the New York Yankees for Christmas. Hadid found her happiness in service by distributing food and fresh produce to the Bronx community.

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