Return to Sport Post Injury

An hour after surgery when I was just stoked to have gotten it over and done with. Can cross surgery off my bucket list now.

The Road Back to the Water: My Journey of Recovery and Resilience for LA 2028

In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, I found myself on the cusp of qualifying for the 2024 Games—a dream I’d dedicated years of work, training, and sacrifice toward achieving. But on April 20, 2024, that dream took a dramatic turn. The day before the Last Chance Olympic Regatta in Hyères, France, I suffered a shoulder dislocation that not only ended my immediate chance at Olympic competition but also launched me into a long and intense recovery journey.

I’ve faced plenty of challenges in my career, but this was something altogether different. Following the injury, I underwent surgery and was in a sling 24 hours a day for the first eight weeks. Those early weeks were some of the most challenging of my life. I couldn’t brush my hair, drive, or do any of the simple things I’d always taken for granted. On top of that, I had the pain and side effects from medication to manage, and I lost much of the muscle I’d spent three years building for the physical demands of IQ Foil windsurfing. The inability to foil, train, or do any of my usual activities was a tough pill to swallow, and it felt like every aspect of my independence was on hold.

This was my everyday look for almost two months - I never went without my sling or my Bodyice shoulder icepack. 

But if there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that setbacks are only temporary. With the incredible support from the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Sailing team, I began the slow but steady journey back to the water. They supported me through every milestone of my recovery—both the physical work to rebuild my strength and the mental work to stay motivated and positive. I was still in the QAS gym doing everything I could manage and learning that there’s always room for growth, even when you’re side-lined from your sport.

Initially, my progress felt agonizingly slow. I even failed my first round of return-to-sport testing, a tough reality check that reminded me this journey wouldn’t be a quick one. But last week, after months of sweat, hard work, and patience, I was finally cleared to get back on the water. That moment was everything I’d been working toward.

Some stunning bruises from treatment. 

On Friday, I had my first sail in six months, and it felt like a full-circle moment. I was back home, sailing with my first coach, in the same waters where my journey began. The wind was a little stronger than I expected, and I definitely felt the effects of my time away, but it was exhilarating. There was no pressure, just pure joy in doing what I love. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose this path in the first place.

Although I’ll miss the competitions this season, I’m aiming to return to racing in Palma next March. Until then, my focus is on getting stronger, refining my skills, and being fully ready to compete without risking re-injury. The time off has actually been a gift in many ways—I’ve gained fresh perspective, reconnected with the simple joy of sailing, and come back with a renewed sense of resilience.

This break has also opened up opportunities I didn’t expect. I’ve been spending countless hours in the gym, getting stronger than ever, and exploring interests off the water too. I joined the Olympic Unleashed program, started coaching at my local club, and even began building a chicken coop! I’m also working with my club to help them better support athletes competing internationally—a cause close to my heart. And there’s been plenty of indoor training, cycling, and rehab, all of which have kept me connected to my goals even when I couldn’t be out on the water.

In the end, missing out on the Olympics was heartbreaking, but this time away has given me invaluable perspective. I’m returning as a stronger, better-rounded sailor and person, ready to tackle the next chapter with everything I’ve got. I’m excited for what’s ahead and incredibly grateful for the support of my team, family, friends, and everyone cheering me on. I know the journey to LA 2028 will be worth every challenge, and I’m ready to give it everything I have.

Back and better then ever.