World heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson has expressed some uncertainty about her fitness as she gears up for the Paris Olympics, following recent treatments for a persistent Achilles tendon issue. Despite this, Johnson-Thompson remains optimistic, stating that she feels better prepared for the upcoming Games than ever before.
Johnson-Thompson, who was forced to withdraw from the European Championships in early June after just three events due to injury, missed two weeks of training and underwent multiple painkilling injections in her Achilles. The 31-year-old athlete reports that her condition has improved significantly since then.
Although her competitive appearances have been limited since her injury, Johnson-Thompson has shown promising results. At the British Championships, she recorded her fastest 200m time in five years. Additionally, she achieved a season-best shot put performance in Loughborough and delivered a solid 6.54m long jump in her debut at the London Diamond League on Saturday.
“I believe I’m in good shape,” Johnson-Thompson remarked after her recent performance. “The indicators suggest I’m coming into form, which is all I can ask for. I’m hopeful that I can carry this momentum into the heptathlon. It was particularly satisfying to jump into the 6.50s right away since it’s an event I haven’t competed in since Budapest [the 2023 World Championships].”
Johnson-Thompson acknowledged the ongoing challenge of managing tendonitis, describing it as a fluctuating condition that requires constant attention. However, she feels she has gained control over it and is focused on her preparations. “Predicting how a heptathlon will unfold is always challenging,” she added.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Johnson-Thompson recalled her mixed experiences: finishing 14th at her debut in 2012, sixth in 2016, and failing to finish in 2020 due to injury. “Understanding my past helps shape my approach to the future,” she said. “Each Olympic experience has presented unique mental and physical hurdles. Before Tokyo [2020], I was recovering from an Achilles rupture. The pressure in 2016 was intense, and in 2012, I was simply aiming to enjoy the experience.”
She believes this is the most prepared she has been, both mentally and physically, for an Olympic competition. “I just hope to deliver a strong performance,” Johnson-Thompson said.
An Olympic medal remains the only accolade missing from her illustrious career, which includes two world titles, two Commonwealth titles, and a European silver. Johnson-Thompson has reconciled with any previous feelings of unfulfillment, focusing instead on the joy of competition.
“The real joy in athletics comes from having the opportunity to compete,” she said. “The anticipation and preparation often overshadowed by injury or pressure have been replaced with a renewed sense of excitement. My goal is to be in a position to compete effectively in the 800m and see what I can achieve.”
Johnson-Thompson’s recent victory at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest has bolstered her confidence, reinforcing her belief in her medal potential if she remains injury-free.
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