Belgian triathlon star Marten Van Riel is facing a significant fitness battle ahead of the upcoming World Championship, as he continues his arduous recovery from a severe injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. The athlete’s journey back to peak performance highlights not only the physical toll but also the immense mental fortitude required to return to elite competition.
The Long Road Back: Overcoming a Persistent Injury
Van Riel’s troubles began with a fall at WTCS Leeds last season, which revealed a bone oedema on his talus (ankle bone). This debilitating injury kept the 2021 WTCS runner-up out of action for the better part of a year, casting a shadow over his ambitions, particularly with major championships on the horizon.
Despite the prolonged layoff, Van Riel received encouraging news in January, getting the “green light” to resume running, a critical step in his triathlon training. He expressed that this milestone felt like a “reset” and a chance to properly kick off the new year. Since then, he has reportedly been training well, with his swim and bike disciplines nearing previous levels, though his run still requires considerable work. He has gradually re-introduced faster running sessions, testing his ankle’s capacity to handle higher intensities.
Impact on World Championship and Olympic Hopes
The timing of Van Riel’s injury and subsequent recovery puts him in a race against time to regain his championship-winning form. While the specific World Championship event was not detailed, his focus remains on securing qualification and performing at the highest level. His absence from key races, such as the London T100, where he was the current series leader but decided to skip the event, indicates a cautious and strategic approach to his comeback, prioritizing full recovery over premature competition.
Van Riel has openly spoken about his desire for “one more shot” at Olympic glory in Paris, having previously secured sixth place in Rio and fourth in Tokyo. He is confident that if he can return to his previous level, Olympic qualification will follow naturally, opting to build back into Olympic distance events before moving to sprint races to gradually rebuild his general shape.
The Mental Battle of Elite Comebacks
Beyond the physical rehabilitation, the journey back from a career-threatening injury often involves a profound mental struggle. While specific revelations from Van Riel regarding his mental health during this period are not detailed, the psychological challenges faced by athletes in similar situations are well-documented. Questions of whether one can return to their former level, the frustration of setbacks, and the isolation of long periods of rehabilitation can weigh heavily on an athlete’s mind.
Fellow triathlete Hayden Wilde, who recently made a remarkable comeback from a severe bike accident involving a punctured lung, broken ribs, and a shoulder injury, articulated this mental aspect. He questioned, “Ah, can I actually get back to that level?” during his own recovery, underscoring the universal doubts that can plague even the most resilient athletes. For Van Riel, navigating these mental hurdles will be as crucial as his physical recovery in his pursuit of World Championship success and Olympic dreams. His measured return and focus on long-term fitness suggest a clear understanding of the comprehensive demands of an elite comeback.
