Overcoming adversity has been a central theme in Georgia Taylor-Brown’s journey – whether or not that is chasing Olympic gold, or extra necessary issues.
The British triathlete was on crutches after damage struck 11 weeks earlier than Tokyo 2020 and, amid the remnants of a tropical storm, a mid-race puncture dashed her hopes of gold.
Remarkably, Taylor-Brown recovered to attain silver, and 4 days later helped Crew GB to a historic combined relay gold.
However the true extent of the continued hardship she confronted was but to floor.
At house, her long-term associate struggled with psychological well being points. That relationship resulted in 2022, but the toll it had taken – emotionally and bodily – was nonetheless revealing itself.
Within the years since her Tokyo successes the 2020 world champion has continued to come across setbacks, shedding the second half of the 2023 season after tearing her calf.
However earlier than her bid to qualify for Paris 2024 this weekend, Taylor-Brown is now each injury-free and – most crucially – pleased.
“I feel the physique has a great way of telling you adequate is sufficient. Getting injured final yr was my physique’s means of telling me I used to be nonetheless making an attempt to push by and ‘now we’re going to cease’,” Taylor-Brown, 30, tells BBC Sport.
“I went by a darkish patch on the finish of 2022. Racing was tough as a result of I did not wish to be there. I hated it. I wished to lock myself in my room and shut everybody out, however I had a job to do.
“It was a tough time. I had been performing effectively however it acquired to some extent the place I could not do it anymore. I did not need individuals to know that was my private life. Once I could not actually conceal it any extra, I needed to get assist.
“I needed to shut down and absolutely get well from all of it. I’ve discovered somebody who loves me so much. I really feel like I am in such a protected, pleased place and I am excited for all times, which is a pleasant factor to have the ability to say.”