Suffolk javelin star Goldie Sayers is hoping next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow can make up for her London 2012 Olympic heartbreak.
Sayers, from Newmarket, was left in tears on national television 15 months ago after injury destroyed her medal chances on the greatest sporting stage of all.
After beating her own British record in the lead up to London with a huge throw of 66.17m, Sayers was a big pre-Games medal hope for the home nation.
However, she tore the ligaments in her elbow just prior to the showpiece event and then further aggravated the problem in the Games.
Four years on from an agonising fourth place finish at Beijing, she failed to qualify for the final in London.
Now, 15 months on, two operations later and finally back in full training, the three-time Olympian and 10-time national champion is planning a fairytale comeback in Glasgow next year.
“I’m seeing Glasgow as my London opportunity,” said the 31-year-old.
“I was obviously gutted at what happened in London but I’m really looking forward to Glasgow, it’s a great chance for me.
“Still being in Great Britain, I’m hoping I’ll get some extra support and if I can throw back to the distances I was reaching before – which I’m confident I can – then who knows I might be able to mark my return with a medal.”
She added: “I think competing is the thing I missed the most. I’ve had previous injuries before but there has been nothing quite like this, it has been so frustrating.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the field and certainly won’t be taking anything for granted.”
Sayers recently won her appeal against UK Athletics’ decision to cut her funding.
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