Ups and downs for an Athlete - Andrew's Story

by Andrew Jones 

I was originally a swimmer and rugby player for over 17 seasons. I played for Carmarthen Quins and Swansea Medicals. 

I was lucky enough to play at semi-professional level and this completely fulfilled my life.

I always loved competition as a young swimmer and picked up resilience from an incredibly strong figure in my life, and my coach at the time, my Dad.

I later started rugby and fell in love with the game.

We had an incredible squad and an amazing record on the pitch. I loved the pressure. Rugby was the last thing I thought of going to bed at night and the first thing I thought of when I woke in the morning. Another Division One league title came, another cup victory and the prospect of playing in Cape Town.

That last training session of the season changed everything.

I remember the tackle well. I hit the ground, passed out and awoke in hospital - screaming.

Torn ligaments, dislocated knee cap, and fractured thighbone.

It was my last year of playing and the final year of my thirties. Rehab was tough and I had the news that I wouldn’t play again - or even walk in a straight line.

I can’t begin to explain how this felt. I knew nothing else.

My family and friends were incredible; direct and motivating.

My physio helped me walk and gave me confidence. I’d lost an awful lot of weight and my self-esteem was shattered but I wasn’t ready to give up.

Countless pool sessions followed. After a year out, I attempted my first 5km parkrun/walk. I’d made it.

I worked hard on my strength and conditioning and 18 months after injury arrived at my first pre-season training session. I wanted to finish playing on my own terms.

After a pre-season of sitting on the sidelines, I was called to play in the first league games of the season and it felt like I had won the lottery. I’ll remember that game forever. I played my heart out, scored two tries and was “man of the match”. I retired on the last match and we were league winners again.

The feeling of emptiness is hard to explain. I had gone out on my own terms but now it was over and I needed something in its place.

A random bike shop. A random leaflet. A random triathlon.

It was different, exciting and amazing all in one go. It was another reason I could pick myself up from that terrible time of negative thoughts.

But the rollercoaster didn’t stop there.

Three lots of testicular surgery followed, the death of a close friend and losing my Dad – and idol – to complications after a road traffic accident.

I’m still on the rollercoaster but it’s slowing down.

In June I will attempt my 25th triathlon and with the incredible guidance of my coaches Will Usher and Raya Hubbell of Precision Coaching, I’m well on track.

The support of a team and having goals has helped me. I enjoy the journey.

It seems the dark days are behind me. Never be afraid to talk.