Few names in Australian sport evoke as much admiration as Lisa Curry. A champion swimmer, three-time Olympian, and national treasure, Lisa has inspired generations with her grit and grace.
But behind the medals and the public persona lies a story of unimaginable heartbreak—a story she’s now sharing in the hope of sparing other families similar pain.
Lisa’s daughter, Jaimi, passed away in 2020 at just 33, after a long and courageous battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder.
Now, Lisa is channelling her grief into action, making a heartfelt plea for Australians to join a groundbreaking genetic study that could change the way we understand and treat eating disorders.
Lisa spoke candidly about Jaimi’s final moments—a forever memory in her heart.
‘She just sort of took a breath and then her hands went cold, that was it,’ she recalled, her voice trembling with emotion.
Jaimi’s struggle was not just physical, but deeply psychological.
‘She’d say, “Where did it come from? Why am I like this?”‘ Lisa shared.
These haunting questions are at the heart of the new research initiative Lisa is championing.
Lisa, now 63, urges Australians to volunteer for a major genetic study led by Queensland researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR).
The study aims to identify genetic markers that may predispose individuals to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
The hope is that, one day, we might be able to identify those at risk from birth and intervene before these devastating illnesses take hold.
The scale of the study is ambitious: 4000 Australian volunteers are needed, with a global target of 100,000 participants. Volunteers will provide saliva samples, which researchers will analyse for genetic clues.
Professor Nick Martin of QIMR explained that genetics plays a significant role in the development of eating disorders, and this research could be a game-changer in early detection and prevention.
Eating disorders are often misunderstood as lifestyle choices or the result of social pressures, but mounting evidence points to a strong genetic component.
Families and healthcare providers could offer support and intervention by identifying at-risk individuals before the illness becomes entrenched. For Lisa, this research is about giving other families the answers she and Jaimi desperately sought.
Lisa’s journey: Grief, recovery, and resilience
Since Jaimi’s passing, Lisa has been open about her journey through grief. In January last year, she shared that she was finally able to return to the gym after ‘three and a half years of sadness and grief’.
Her recovery has not been without setbacks—last year, a fall while husky dog sledding in Canada led to a hip replacement, adding physical pain to her emotional burden.
But Lisa’s resilience shines through. She’s also made significant lifestyle changes, including giving up alcohol after a frightening health scare.
While holidaying in Fiji, a sugary cocktail triggered her defibrillator, sending her heart rate soaring to a dangerous 270 beats per minute.
The experience was a wake-up call, and Lisa now urges others to take heart symptoms seriously, no matter how minor they may seem.
Lisa and her former husband, Ironman Grant Kenny, shared three children: Jett, Morgan, and Jaimi.
Lisa’s advocacy is not just about honouring Jaimi’s memory—it’s about changing the future for thousands of Australians.
Eating disorders claim more lives than any other mental health condition, yet they remain shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Participating in this study could help unlock the secrets that have eluded families like Lisa’s for generations.
If you or someone you know has been affected by eating disorders, or if you want to contribute to life-changing research, consider volunteering for the QIMR study. Your participation could help save lives and comfort families searching for answers.
For support, contact the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673.
Have you or a loved one been touched by eating disorders? What do you think about the role of genetics in mental health? Would you consider participating in a study like this? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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