With this 12 months “just about a write off” as a consequence of one other main harm, Zoey Clark admits her probabilities of competing at Glasgow 2026 are slim however shouldn’t be prepared to surrender on a house Commonwealth Video games.
The 30-year-old relay specialist from Aberdeen had been working her method again from a prolapsed disc sustained at first of 2023 solely to endure an anterior cruciate ligament tear whereas coaching.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s a massive setback for me,” mentioned Clark, who has 4x400m medals at World, European and Commonwealth stage.
“My restoration was nonetheless sluggish progress however I used to be getting in the correct route so I had full confidence that I’d not less than be at a stage to contend for Commonwealth Video games spots subsequent 12 months.
“I do not wish to utterly low cost it however I undoubtedly do not wish to put that as the principle purpose that I have to obtain as a result of I do know it is unlikely, so I simply have to see how I get on between now and the qualification interval closing.
“This season is just about a write off for me. I simply have to perhaps make my targets a bit smaller and simply take into consideration getting myself purposeful and never put an excessive amount of efficiency purpose strain on it.”
Clark, who ran on the delayed 2020 Olympics, has been suggested she will be able to do with out knee surgical procedure, making her “actually lucky”.
She added: “If I used to be in one other sport , like soccer, the place there’s a whole lot of altering route, I feel I’d be doomed doubtlessly, however I’m feeling fairly optimistic in regards to the restoration method we’re taking.”
If Glasgow 2026 proves out of attain, Clark can look to the following Olympics as a supply of motivation.
“I’m not fairly prepared to surrender and I definitely do not wish to exit on these type of phrases,” she mentioned. “[Retirement] has come into my head however not critically as a result of I’m not completed with the game.
“LA in 2028, I had my eyes on that. I undoubtedly had full intensions to remain throughout the sport up till that 12 months not less than.
“I do not know what this restoration path goes to appear to be, all the things is up within the air, however that was undoubtedly my long-term aspiration earlier than this setback.”
