Injury is a reality for any elite athlete. But Australian long-jumper Henry Frayne is clearing several hurdles to ensure he’s in the best shape possible to compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Lexi Kehl reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Hard work, dedication, persistence.

They’re the keys to success and 27-year-old Henry Frayne is no stranger to them.

He’s also no stranger to Achilles tears, hamstring strains and back pain.

After competing injured in both the London and Rio Olympic Games Henry’s high expectations went unfulfilled.

Henry Frayne, Dual Olympian: “It’s a funny thing when you expect the Olympics to be this high and mighty experience, but the reality of it is that probably 95% plus of athletes go there and leave disappointed.”

Breaking a bone in his ankle meant he couldn’t train in the nine weeks leading up to the London games.

To avoid any mishaps for Gold Coast 2018 he’s developed a more personalised training program.

Henry Frayne, Dual Olympian: “Over the last two years we have started to refine that process, we’ve got a structure in place where a I have good physio, exercise, physiology, podiatrist, strength and conditioning and they all work together.”

Three weeks ago Henry suffered an Achilles injury, but he and his coach are working harder than ever to leap into the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Staying mentally fit is just as crucial as physical fitness.

His coach’s experience and support plays an important role in keeping him sharp.

Gary Bourne, Coach: “He has done things exceptionally well. He won a silver medal at the indoor championships, he’s jumped a 17, 20 odd in triple jump and a 8.30 in long jump, so we go back to those thing and say you need to believe in yourself.”

Frayne trains six days a week in the gym and on track, focusing on specialised exercises.

Along with two to five sessions of recovery and rehabilitation.

Tom Gamble, Recovery Assistant: “That’s basically to mobilise his body, keep on top of soft tissues and maintain injures and I guess just to work in conjunction with other professions to keep him on track for as long as possible.”

Henry Frayne, Dual Olympian: “I basically just do what’s good for me and hopefully the results will reflect that that was the right thing.”

He’ll be competing in both long jump and triple jump on the Gold Coast next year.

Lexi Kehl, QUT News.