She’s an Olympic legend, a three-time gold medallist and one of Australia’s most decorated swimmers – but behind the scenes, Leisel Jones has been facing a very different kind of challenge.
Leisel was a panellist at The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit in the Gold Coast in September 2025 and spoke about her mental health journey. She shared a deeply personal mental health struggle she had been battling behind the scenes. It culminated in a viral Instagram post, where she shared her mantra: “Stay until tomorrow.”
“I was sitting on my stairs…I had been painting and renovating and…felt sh*t…I felt really alone, so I took the selfie and posted it,” she shared. “The photo touched a lot of people.”
Leisel has since been very candid about her mental health journey and struggles with body image and self-worth. Following her Olympic experience, she had to deal with a loss of identity from her teenage years.
“I will always be Leisel the Olympic swimmer, but I’m more than my job.”
“You have to be kind to yourself. I haven’t always been kind to myself. I find it hard not to strive to be the best,” Leisal said at the Health Summit.
According to an exclusive report at Seven News, large amounts of her hair started falling out 18 months ago while she was washing her hair.
“It’s something that is incredibly frustrating,” she shared.
“As a woman, we do pride ourselves on having beautiful, luscious hair, and I think once you start realising that your hair is falling out, it is very concerning for someone like me.”
Finding answers
Determined to tackle the problem head-on, Leisel has spent the past three months undergoing what she calls “pretty intensive treatment.”
“It’s been a great journey and I’ve loved being so proactive about that,” she said. “It’s pretty straightforward, but it has been hugely successful in under three months, which has been great.”
Leisel admits years of chlorine exposure in the pool didn’t help, but stresses her focus now is on restoring her hair and breaking the silence around women’s hair loss.
“Let’s just say the chlorine is not a great start,” she said with a laugh. “But now it’s getting back to that luscious place where it was before.”
Hair loss in women
Leisel’s experience reflects an issue that affects far more women than many realise. Hair loss in women can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications.
And it’s more common than you might think. “49 per cent of women will be affected by hair loss in their lifetime,” says endocrinologist, Dr Nellie Torkamani. “Often it will be temporary and hair will grow back, while for others, the loss may be permanent.”
Unlike male pattern baldness, which tends to follow a predictable pattern, female hair loss is often more diffuse and patchy, making it harder to recognise and diagnose. For many women, the emotional toll can be just as significant as the physical changes.
Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause, but can include topical solutions, prescription medications, therapies, and nutritional support. For women like Leisel, taking a proactive approach can be life-changing – not just for their appearance, but for their self-esteem.
Breaking the stigma
By speaking openly, Leisel is helping break down the taboo around women’s hair loss. Her message is simple: it happens to many of us, and there are options and support available.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” she said, “but sharing the journey and realising you’re not alone makes all the difference.”
Disclaimer: If you are dealing with hair loss, please remember to consult with your healthcare professional or dermatologist to determine the most suitable hair loss solutions for your individual needs, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Always follow the product instructions and guidelines.
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