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An Australian writer faced backlash after calling Nedd Brockmann's 1,600km run “rebranded as toxic masculinity” – despite raising a fortune for homelessness.
Jill Stark, an award-winning journalist, argued that the charity runner's inspiring feat reflects men's tendency to label struggling with mental health issues “toughness”.
While praising Brockmann's “wonderful job” in raising money for charity, Stark expressed concern about how men see torture as a chance to prove themselves.
“There has always been something that has bothered me about the philosophy she espouses and the message she sends about what it means to be 'mentally strong,'” Stark said Wednesday.
“It's a uniquely masculine approach to well-being that's less about self-care and more about self-flagellation.
“In this worldview, the more grueling the challenge and the more performative the suffering, the stronger you are mentally.”
She added that activities such as endurance running, ice baths and the paleo diet are examples of how men test themselves physically to prove the maxim of “mind over matter.”
“Or maybe blocking mental capacity is simply a transformation of toxic masculinity.”
Now-deleted social media posts from Jill Stark (pictured) described the charity as part of a broader trend of men's self-help efforts undergoing a “rebranding of toxic masculinity.”
An Australian writer criticized Nedd Brockmann (pictured) for his portrayal of “what it means to be mentally strong” as he ran 1,600km for charity
Many commenters criticized Stark's comments, which sparked a backlash strong enough to prompt her to deactivate her social media account.
“The challenges of resilience are not about performative suffering, but about cultivating resilience, discipline, and emotional regulation, qualities necessary to cope with mental health struggles,” one commentator said.
“Research shows that these activities release endorphins and improve mental health by reducing anxiety and preventing depression, and promoting mental clarity.
“Physical challenges offer a path to healing as valuable as reflective practices, and dismissing them as mere ‘blockification’ not only spreads misinformation but risks alienating those who actually benefit from these practices.”
“Slap advocating for mental health and tearing down Nedd Brockmann is ready,” added a second.
Another said: “I understand what he means, but he is wrong about everything. Poor unfortunate person who thought, doubled down and published it.
Brockmann crossed the finish line at 6.15am on Wednesday, completing 4,000 laps of the Sydney Track at Olympic Park in just over 12 and a half days.
He started his epic run on October 3, aiming to break the world record for running 1,600km in 10 days, while also raising money for homelessness charity We Are Mobilise.
Brockmann raised over $2.5 million for the charity We Are Mobilize by running over three marathons a day for 12 days
Serious injuries prevented the ultramarathon runner (pictured with Delta Goodrem) from achieving his original goal of breaking the 1,000-mile world record in less than 10 days and 10 hours
Although injuries and the resulting crippling pain prevented him from breaking the world record, Brockmann managed to raise more than $1.8 million for the cause.
He broke down in tears as he completed the final lap around Sydney's Olympic Park before hugging mum Kylie and dad Ian.
After running the equivalent of over 38 marathons in less than two weeks, the iconic hero fell to the ground shortly thereafter.
“I've never experienced anything like this before,” he said as he lay on the track.
“I'm damn proud of it.”
