Sometimes we don't know the struggles of the athletes.
See below Immanuela Aliu Instagram post some weeks ago on her season
All the best to her and speedy recovery
imman_aliuThis track season was an experience I actually injured my knee back in August before the season started and it gave me some problems but by the end of indoor season it felt like everything was taking a turn for the best. Then, I started to get episodes where I struggled to breathe. The first time this happened I woke up out of my sleep and instantly tried to get up to get some air, my body gave way instantly, I smacked to the floor and could feel my airways tightened up and my body was shaking uncontrollably. I was referred to a lung specialist. After months in and out of hospital doing test I was diagnosed with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Turns out I have really narrowed airways to starts with.
Put in mind with all of this going on, I was still training everyday and competing most weekends. I just kept telling myself to push through. I know I needed rest, my body clearly needed rest but time off to rest wasn't an option. I was over compensating so much on my bad knee and ended up pulling my groin muscle on the same right leg. At this point I was told that I needed Surgery on my Knee. It was decided that we treat my groin pull and carry on competing for the rest of the season.
Still competing I further pulled the muscle connecting my hamstring and calf at the SEC Champs, this time on my left leg because I was again over compensating and that was my limit. It was beyond mental, I had pushed my body way too far. So the decision was made, I had to cut my season short and have my knee surgery as quickly as possible.
I zoned out from the world, I was just drained out. I was so confused, I started to question my faith in God because I did everything right. I worked hard, prayed, sacrificed seeing my family and friends. It felt like life has been throwing punches at me all my life and then the year I was convinced everything was going to come together, it crumbled right in front of my eyes.
I had to pick myself up pretty fast, I had be strong because after surgery was going to be more challenging. I'm currently in rehab and I can only pray that this experience builds me to a better, stronger person and I PRAY for an amazing comeback season.