Karen Smith’s battle to be fit in time for the Island Games has fallen short and the multiple time National Triathlon Champion has been forced to withdraw.
Smith said, “I've had a foot injury (plantar fasciitis) since January. I was on holiday and the only safe place to run was on the property where we were staying. It was very hilly and I over did it.”
“I thought it was healed in March and I ran well for almost a month before it came back with a vengeance in April. I was doing all the recommended exercises, stretching and rest but Plantar fasciitis is a difficult injury to heal,” continued Smith.
Smith went on to say, “I'd had enough of being sideline so last week I went to a sports medicine clinic in Toronto for a platelet injection which is designed to speed the healing. I'm optimistic that this will help me get back to training and racing in another month.”
“It's too late for island games. I'm so disappointed I can't compete, but injuries are pretty much part of life for athletes,” continued Smith.
Smith concluded, “It's been six years since I was last injured so I just have to manage this one. I will be cheering for whole team and sending them all the best wishes for great races. We have a strong triathlon team going who have been training very hard for this event. In the meantime I will be swimming, riding, and water running.”
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