Living with IBD as a Professional Athlete
When professional athlete Katie Thompson was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2019, she faced a challenge that no amount of training could prepare her for.
“I was able to get it under control with medication,” Katie recalls, “but then last year, I had another flare-up. The doctors said there was inflammation in multiple parts of my colon. They even started wondering if it was Crohn’s instead of colitis.”
Between managing her symptoms, working full-time, and preparing for Ironman Canada, Katie found herself in an exhausting cycle of flares, stress, and uncertainty.
“I hadn’t really found something that could keep it under control—something that could really stop it in its tracks,” she says.
Finding Hope with Evinature
Determined to take back control, Katie started researching new ways to support her gut health—and that’s when she found Evinature and the CurQD® Protocol formulated specifically for IBD like hers.
“I thought, okay, this sounds legit. I’ll give it a try,” she says. “Honestly, I did not expect it to work. But I started right away, and within a week, I was almost 100% better. Within two weeks, I felt like a new person. I could eat again, train again—I felt like myself.”
Her results came just in time. When Ironman Canada was canceled, she entered Ironman Florida instead.
For anyone unfamiliar, an Ironman Triathlon is one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world—consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon, all in a single day. Training for an Ironman requires months of preparation, precise nutrition, and near-perfect digestive balance. For people living with IBD, that can feel almost impossible. Symptoms like urgency, fatigue, or inflammation can derail training and recovery, and the stress of competition itself can trigger flares.
That’s why Katie’s story stands out—not just for the miles she conquered, but for the stability she found along the way.
“We’re talking about a lot of training,” she laughs. “And my colon was fine! I’m not sponsored by Evinature or anything—I’m just a big fan. My life changed.”
Crossing the Finish Line—Symptom Free
Katie’s transformation didn’t stop there. Recently, she took on a 50K ultra run, something that once would’ve been unimaginable.
“There was only one porta-potty for the whole 31 miles,” she says. “That was a huge stress point for me. But thanks to Evinature, I didn’t have to use it once. I was able to get things under control before the race.”
Katie completed the run without discomfort, celebrating not just her athletic endurance—but her regained confidence.
“I just want to say thank you to the Evinature team: to Nir, to Jon—keep doing what you’re doing,” she says. “You’re helping people like me live our lives again. You’ve honestly changed my life.”
Gratitude and Growth in 2025
Now in 2025, Katie continues to challenge herself as both an athlete and an advocate for gut health awareness. Reflecting on her latest race, she shared:
“It did not go as I had hoped, but I am grateful for the experience. I’m grateful to have finished, and to have the opportunity to do this sport. What I’m most grateful for are the people who helped get me here. Thank you Evinature for helping to keep my UC under control and for the support.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the ups and downs, Katie remains as driven as ever:
“What’s next? Getting healthy and trying again—but slightly differently, with another year’s worth of learning and fitness. And definitely some gravel bike adventures.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t linear—but with the right mindset, community, and science-backed support, anything is possible.
“I’m really happy to be healthy and in remission,” Katie says. “Thank you so much—you’ve honestly changed my life.”
Compliance note: This article shares one individual’s personal experience with the Evinature CurQD® Protocol. Results may vary. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.
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