With a heavy heart, steeplechaser Emma Coburn announced that she will not be in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games later this summer. The American revealed that she will not compete in the U.S. trials for the Paris Olympics after breaking her ankle at the Shanghai Diamond League meet.
The USATF Olympic trials will take place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, from June 21 – 30, 2024. – Read more: World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24: Team USA squad includes Noah Lyles, Gabby Thomas
Coburn, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games steeplechase bronze medalist, confirmed the news, revealing that what was initially thought to be a sprain turned out to be a more severe injury involving torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and a fracture.
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On Instagram, Coburn acknowledged the setback but expressed her love for the sport, emphasizing the healing power of hard work as she continues to recover from surgery.
“I don’t really know what to say… I broke my ankle on the water jump in Shanghai,” she wrote. “At first, I thought I just sprained it, even though the pain was pretty intense. When I got home, images showed torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and a fracture in my medial malleolus.”
The athlete, a three-time Olympian with notable achievements including a World Championship win in 2017 and a silver medal in Doha two years later, underwent surgery and had a screw inserted in her ankle.
She provided footage and images of the injury on her Instagram account.
Looking ahead, Coburn aims to resume jogging in approximately six weeks, remaining hopeful for her recovery and future athletic endeavors.
“I had surgery yesterday and got a screw in my ankle for the fracture and got the cartilage cleaned up. If all goes well, I can start jogging again in 6 weeks.”
She added: “That means I’m out for the Olympic Trials. The dream of Paris is over.
“I love this sport and nothing heals a broken heart like working hard and getting back. See ya out there later this year.”
