British steeplechaser Eilish McColgan has revealed that she requires a spell away from the sport in order to help her ongoing ankle injury heal ahead of next year's Olympics.
McColgan sustained the injury at the start of 2015, but after initially anticipating a six-week recovery period, she has now opted to sit out the remainder of the season to give herself the best opportunity to qualify for Rio in 2016.
In her blog for sponsors Lindsay's, the 24-year-old said: "Initially, we believed this injury would be a small blip in the road meaning six weeks off from running. However, that prognosis gradually worsened, week on week. Sadly, the fracture in my ankle has fully extended.
"Rio 2016 will come round before any of us realise and at the end of the day, the Olympic Games is the pinnacle. All the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices are purely for the Olympics. Every athlete wants to be a part of it.
"My event choice is still under question – perhaps a move to the 5,000m or 10,000m will be more feasible after foot surgery, rather than risking injury over the steeplechase in such an important year."
McColgan overcame injury to make London 2012 but she was unable to qualify for the 3,000m steeplechase final.
Darren Plant
