Ruptured Achilles floors Genevieve Gregson in 3000m steeplechase
An achilles injury leaves Australia's Genevieve Gregson on the floor in the women's 3000m steeplechase final. Photo: AFP/Getty
Australian record-holder Genevieve Gregson says she is “heartbroken” after rupturing her Achilles tendon in the Olympic women’s 3000-metre steeplechase final.
Gregson, who turned 32 on Wednesday, crashed at the last water jump at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium and left the arena in a wheelchair in obvious distress.
She was treated by Australian medical staff and later posted a picture of herself on social media with her injured right leg in a support.
“I’m heartbroken & don’t have the words right now to respond to you all but in short – ruptured Achilles on the last water jump,” Gregson wrote.
I’m heartbroken & don’t have the words right now to respond to you all but in short – ruptured Achilles on the last water jump. Happy Birthday me! Thank you for all the support & lovely messages. I’ll try to respond in time. For now I need to mend my heart, soul & Achilles. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pe59CvIwnx
— Genevieve Gregson (née LaCaze) (@GenGen_LaCaze) August 4, 2021
“Happy Birthday me! Thank you for all the support & lovely messages. I’ll try to respond in time.
“For now I need to mend my heart, soul & Achilles.”
One of the most popular and well-known members of the Australian track and field team, Gregson was competing at her third Olympics.
Peruth Chemutai from Uganda won the steeplechase gold medal in nine minutes 01.45 seconds.
-AAP