As we see the close of the Beijing Olympic Games, I feel myself reflecting on several different feelings I have felt during the last two weeks. As many of you will know, I have been suffering from a de-generative back disorder that has progressively got worse. During last winter the pain and symptoms increased and reached a point where I was physically not able to train with this pain any longer. Since then I have been receiving treatment and have just received the word that it now needs to be operated on. Throughout my career I have suffered my fair share of injuries and my back problems have popped up quite frequently. One of the most memorable times when my back caused distress was before the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, when I received an epidural in my spine before the race, just to get me to the start-line. This makes my 6th place in Athens such an achievement, however at the time I suffered from disappointment as I so dearly wanted to be on the podium with a medal around my neck as all Olympians do. Little did I know that even after the 2008 games my 6th place would remain as the most successful British Olympic Triathlon performance to date.

Watching many of Team GB receive medals in Beijing was emotional knowing what you go through as an athlete and this inspires and motivates me. I cannot describe how privileged you feel to represent your country in your sport and I can only imagine how it must feel when it ends in glory. The thought of standing on the podium listening to your home Nation’s Anthem actually gives me goose bumps, just thinking about it. Team GB’s achievements this year have been fantastic and I hope that the results encourage more people to become involved in sport….

Not only was it disappointing for me not be at the games but my partner and athlete Stuart Hayes also had to watch the games from the sofa instead of experiencing the games as an athlete. Stuart got a double puncture in the qualification race for the games. The Olympics still remains a box that Stuart would love to tick in his career. He sets his sites firmly on 2012 in London and I sincerely believe he can do it.

So what’s next for me? This is a question that I’m being asked frequently at the moment. Never one to rest on my lorals or sit idol in a chair, I have needed something to get me through the last few months, a new focus to concentrate on. I have started my own coaching business and am really enjoying see the progression of my talented and dedicated athletes. It is so great to be able to share my knowledge and experience. I have also bought Megaburn to the UK from Australia. Megaburn is a Natural Nutritional range of products that I am passionate about. I am sharing the existence of this amazing range of products and am seeing the athletes I coach & sports enthusiasts gain real benefits from these products.

I also have to undergo surgery on my back in the next month. My friend & Manager Sarah and I sat amazed this weekend as the spinal surgeon diagnosed the exact problems with my back. Then we realised that I had in fact raced my 2007 season - one of the best seasons of my career as well as won the 2007 London Triathlon with a tear in my disc at Level 4 and my spine rubbing together at Level 5, where there is no longer a disc present as it has worn away. Surgery will involve my spine being fused at one level and a replacement of the torn disc. I am anxious about surgery but feel confident that my surgeon will perform miracles enabling me to regain 70-80% of normal spinal function. I am optimistic, about the result and long to be pain free. The surgeon tells me that all being well I should be able to perform again in triathlon at the highest level. This gives me hope and determination to come through the other side.

I’m glad that I haven’t announced my retirement and feel hopeful of a comeback. 2012 is 4 years away, I have unfinished business at the Olympic Games. 4 years is a long time. So much happens in one week let alone in 4 years, so who knows – anything is possible!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 9:18 am and is filed under Michelle Dillon, Athlete Diaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.