I knew what had happened, Id ruptured my achilles.

Collapsed in a pile in the middle of Olympic Park, I immediately knew I had sustained a major injury. Running was my favourite hobby. Considering this, I handled the immediate situation remarkably well. I didn’t cry from the physical pain and I didn’t break down from the emotional pain. Instead my mind started to break down the events that had just occurred.

Standing up was difficult. My foot dangled in the air as though it didn’t belong to the rest body. I knew immediately this was a major injury. Deep down inside I knew what had happened, Id ruptured my achilles tendon. Yet I wouldn’t allow my mind to believe this until it was proven. The doctor proved this in about 30 seconds the following day. The news flicked a switch inside me, turning on my emotional response. Instantly tears welled up in my eyes. I bit firmly on the inside of my left cheek hoping this would stop them.

I learnt the ramifications and rehabilitation timeframes later that week. 12 months for a full recovery is normal, sometimes 24, but potentially 6 if you’re really lucky. I don’t think I could have chosen an injury with a longer rehabilitation process. The damage was done and to my surprise I pushed my feelings of despair aside, to solider on. Surgery was booked for the following week. I would miss a season of racing and this time next year I would start again.