Evie Richards’ journey back to cycling after a significant setback is a testament to her resilience and determination. The former mountain bike world champion faced a challenging moment in April during a World Cup race in Araxa, Brazil. After a crash, she quickly dismissed the severity of her injuries, insisting there was “no serious damage” and even raced the following day. However, the reality was far more concerning; Richards had suffered a concussion, a fact she struggled to accept.
“I think as soon as I crashed, I was like, ‘no, I’m fine’,” Richards shared with the PA news agency. That evening, she put on makeup and a nice outfit, trying to mask her internal struggles by appearing fine on the outside. This wasn’t her first encounter with a concussion. She had experienced one during Grant Ferguson’s training camp leading up to the 2016 Olympics, but back then, she didn’t fully recognize it as a concussion. This time, she knew the signs but was reluctant to accept the lengthy recovery process.
The turning point came when Richards returned home and had dinner with her family. Her mother immediately noticed something was off. “I went for food with my parents and grandparents who I hadn’t seen for a while and mum could see it in my eyes,” Richards recalled. “She was like, ‘Evie, you’re not right’. I couldn’t even have dinner with my family. When your family says you’re not right, you need to stop.”
Following her mother’s advice, Richards consulted British Cycling’s medical team and embarked on a proper recovery program. By early June, she was back to racing at the British nationals. With the injury behind her, Richards was selected for her second Olympics at the end of June. The past few months have been a significant learning experience for her.
“I think I’m always the sort of person who’ll just ‘crack on’,” Richards admitted. “I get that from my dad. But I wrote in my diary how bad I was (after the crash) and reading it back now, I’m like, ‘gosh, why did you even race the next day?’ Even when I raced the next day I didn’t feel right and didn’t for the next week. But I just kept saying, ‘oh, maybe it’s the impact’ and then, ‘maybe it’s jetlag, maybe I’m just tired’.”
Richards acknowledged her mistake in not taking a break when she needed it most. “I think when there’s selection for the Olympics coming, when there’s World Cups coming up, it’s very hard to step away and take a break, which obviously would have been the best thing to do. Looking back, I know a lot more now. If it happens again, I’ll definitely handle it in a much different way.”
Now, Richards is looking forward to her second Olympic appearance. She finished seventh in her debut in Tokyo and soon after claimed the world title with a victory in Val di Sole. “I think anyone who knows me knows I got into sport because of the Olympics, it’s all I’ve ever dreamt of,” she said. “I don’t think the excitement of being selected ever goes away.”
Since her return to racing, Richards has achieved notable results, including a podium finish with fifth place at the Crans-Montana World Cup and a sixth-place finish in Les Gets. However, she heads to Paris with some uncertainties. “I’m super happy with the podium but I’m taking it with a pinch of salt because I haven’t had the training or the run-up I need,” she explained. “I don’t really have any expectations currently on the Games. I just love being a part of it. I’d love to medal but I can only get as fit as I can be in the time left.”
Richards’ story is one of perseverance and learning. Despite the setbacks, she remains focused on her goals and is prepared to give her best at the Paris Olympics. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the importance of listening to one’s body and the support of family in overcoming challenges.
Source: PA News Agency
