It was a year I’ll never forget. Entering the season with doubts, I had set my sights on competing at the top level of Masters Athletics as a sprinter. Before succumbing to the serious injury documented in previous posts, things were heading in the right direction. But 2024 began as a year of perseverance and pain before eventually turning into one of triumph.
In the early months, rehabilitation became my new reality, and in those difficult weeks, my friend and training partner, Trevor Hodgson, stood by me. Every day, he reminded me to stay focused, lifting my spirits when my belief wavered. Together, we navigated the slow process of rebuilding. It was painstaking. The days of speed felt distant as I inched forward, gaining speed one rehab session at a time.
With Trevor’s support and my determination, I set my sights on returning for the European Indoor Championships. It felt almost surreal to be back on the track after what seemed like an eternity away. But the universe had more curveballs to throw. On the eve of the competition, food poisoning hit me hard, threatening to derail everything I had worked so hard to achieve. Despite the setback, I fought through it, and though the individual events didn’t go as planned, there was a bright spot: I was fortunate to be part of the 4x200m mixed relay team that earned a bronze medal. That podium moment reignited a spark in me.
As the season progressed, I competed in the North East Championships, where I claimed two gold medals. These victories were more than just wins; they were proof that I was back, not quite as fast as I had been, but in many ways stronger. Then came the Scottish Championships. I stood on the start line with a sense of purpose and took home two more golds, approaching every race with growing confidence.
Next was the British Championship. The competition was fierce, and although I didn’t reach the top of the podium, securing a silver medal felt like a major achievement after all the setbacks earlier in the year.
Then came the pinnacle of the season: the World Championships. Walking into that stadium, I felt emotional from all the hard work and struggles I’d endured. Against some of the toughest competition I’d ever faced, I secured two silver medals as part of the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams. Every step of every race was a testament to the countless hours spent recovering and training.
I capped off the season with a win at the Inter Area Challenge. Crossing that finish line felt like the perfect ending to a rollercoaster of a year. It was a victory not just over my competitors but over adversity itself.
Looking back, this season was more than a collection of medals and races. It was a year that reminded me of the power of resilience, the importance of support from many people, at home and from far afield, and the joy of pushing through to achieve what at times seemed impossible.
The journey, which we subsequently called our Excellent Adventure, in tribute to Bill and Ted, certainly wasn’t easy, but every challenge made those moments of success even sweeter.
Stuart Lynn - Masters Athlete 