Because I weep a little every time people ask follow up questions to this subject, to all my family, friends and supporters, here’s my Rio Olympic Games update…
Let me try this again.
This is my third draft of … my retirement speech?
Nah, I’m kidding. Kind of.
Basically, I’ve been hiding away in my room (despite the beautiful sunshine outside) for the past few days for fear of being seen by anybody. Why? Let me start from the beginning…
This’ll be quick.
Here’s the good news. I jumped my BIGGEST SEASON OPENER EVER on Saturday in El Paso, Texas at the UTEP Invitational meet. It gave me such confidence and excitement leading into the Rio Olympic Games and in my mind I KNEW I’d be there. Especially since I only had three jump training sessions in Arizona under the watchful eye of the ultimate track and field master coach Dan Pfaff to get back to good form again. Here was my series:
| Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 |
| FOUL | FOUL | 6.32m | 6.62m | FOUL | Bad news |
And round 6 is where the bad news comes in.
I completely ruptured my Achilles tendon on the sixth round and I’m on crutches (AGAIN), and I’m arranging surgery (AGAIN) for next week and my Olympic dream is over (AGAIN). Phew. Glad I got that one out. No tears this time.
Anyway, after four consecutive years on crutches and what will now be my third surgery, I think it’s time to call it quits.
I appreciate my friends’ encouragements telling me to keep going, but the way this track and field malarkey has eaten up my resources and my family’s and the heartache it keeps giving me, as much as I would LOVE to have an awesome comeback AGAIN (I feel like I’m living Groundhog Day every summer season), and it kills me inside to know I’m ‘retiring’ without having the title ‘Olympian’ beside my name, I just can’t afford it. So cheers to the start of a brand new season of living!
Funny. I never thought I’d be retiring at 26! 😉
P.S. Pray for me please!
I’m really sorry to hear this news. Your health must come first. It sounds like your body is telling you to try something new. Wishing you all the best for the future.
Thank you. Sounds like that indeed! Stay blessed
Praying for you xxxxxxxxx I think you have made the right decision – I hope you are feeling good enough to enjoy the sunshine soon! God bless 🙂
Thank you for your kind and supportive words. I’m back in London but thankfully the sun is shining 🙂 xxx
Oh I hated to read this. How unfortunate and disappointing. But there must be something else you are meant to do. Thanks for sharing your journey. Prayers and good vibes for you. Keep blogging you never know who you might be helping
Yes. What’s the saying…when one door closes another opens?? Maybe that’s what it is! Thanks for the prayers and good vibes; they’re much needed. I’ll actually get back in to blogging again more regularly now; it’s a great outlet! Thank you again.
Yo, Abigail, I have no idea what ANYONE else is doing in terms of athletics, but I always checked in on your blog. More good news, there’s life after track and it’s beautiful x x
Thanks for the good news! That gives me peace and hope 🙂 x x
Peace. I’m sorry to hear about your injury, and the fact it’s not the first time you’ve been through it. I tore mine also playing the sport I loved. Take good care of yourself and be well. All the best wishes to you!
Thank you for your best wishes. I’ll definitely take good care of myself and stay positive
There will always be tomorrow. Heal, grow and never give up.
Thank you! This is definitely a growing experience
Sorry to hear about your injury Abigail but I wish you all the best for the future and be encouraged. Whatever happens in future, never lost heart. God is your strength. I pray you do come back stronger! Stay blessed.
Savion
Thank you. I’ll keep heart and thank you for your prayers. Much-needed and much-appreciated. Stay blessed also!