With the Olympics finally underway after being delayed by a year, the focus is very firmly on the star performers most likely to bring home the medals for Team GB.
However, for many of those competing, their hopes of medal glory hinge as much on their injury management as on the threats posed by their most talented opponents. Avoiding a Games-ending tear or strain is a top priority for many.
A good example of this is Andy Murray, whose career has been full of injury battles, from his back surgery in 2013 to the metal hip cap he had fitted to enable him to continue his career.
The former world number one has been unable to defend his Olympic title in Tokyo due to a thigh injury. The injury has not been severe enough to stop him playing in the doubles, but doctors advised he should not aggravate it by trying to play in the singles as well.
This left the Scot with a decision to make, and he opted for the doubles to keep partner Joe Salisbury’s own medal hopes alive.
Murray said: “When we spoke about playing, I told Joe that if I had any physical issues I’d prioritise doubles over singles and that’s why I made the decision.” He added that he should be able to get through the tournament but will then need to rest the injury afterwards.
Non-Olympians trying to manage their own injuries may benefit greatly from seeing a sports therapist in Maidenhead, who can help directly with the injury and offer advice on day-to-day steps people can take.
Residents of Maidenhead may be feeling keen to get active after local man Tom Dean secured gold with victory in the men’s 200 metres freestyle swimming event.
Another great prompt to get active include the resumption of Park Run, which will get people in Maidenhead joining other runners across the country in regular Saturday morning 5K runs.
