Katarina Johnson-Thompson: Triumph, Resilience, and Olympic Dreams

Katarina Johnson-Thompson Secures Second Heptathlon World Title

In August, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Liverpool’s esteemed heptathlete, secured her second world title at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. However, the British record-holder for heptathlon felt like an underdog heading into the competition.

“I entered that competition really believing in myself,” Johnson-Thompson told Sky Sports News. “I knew I was in good shape and I could do well. But I didn’t really get written up in any of the articles pre-Champs, I didn’t even get put on the GB poster going into it from World Athletics.”

The 30-year-old said overcoming that feeling and maintaining focus in the two-day, seven-discipline event was draining, but necessary to regain her self-belief.

Johnson-Thompson’s triumph in Budapest came after a difficult few years, which included a ruptured Achilles in 2020 and a torn calf muscle in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics, forcing her to withdraw.

“It’s been a hard few years. But I’m just so happy I was able to claw back form and my competitive spirit and everything that it needed to win that medal,” she said.

Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Johnson-Thompson is focused on staying injury-free, rather than thinking about an Olympic gold medal.

“I’ve spent the last two Olympic cycles thinking about an Olympic medal. It never went my way. And I think the best or most mature thing to use my experience with is just making sure I get there healthy,” she explained.

The heptathlete also discussed her partnership with Liverpool FC Foundation, which allows her to give back to the community and support young athletes. Johnson-Thompson’s dedication and resilience have been key to her success, and she is determined to make the most of her upcoming Olympic opportunity.

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