‘It’s official, I can swim 3.8km again’ – Matthews recovery continues

Encouraging news from British Army physio as she builds up her fitness after being hit by a car on September training ride
Katrina Matthews Army Sportswoman of the Year Award 2022
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

As the year heads to a close, there was some excellent news from British star Kat Matthews as she continues her rehabilitation from serious injury.

Matthews was hit by a car while on a training ride in Texas in late September as she prepared for the IRONMAN World Championship at Kona.

Runner-up in the rescheduled 2021 IMWC at St George in May and the winner, when clocking 7:31, at the Sub8 challenge in June, she had been one of the big favourites ahead of the Hawaii showdown.

Advertisement

Moving in the right direction

Katrina Matthews Army Sportswoman of the Year Award 2022
Photo Credit: Army Sport Control Board

The British Army physio has been focussed on her recovery ever since and there was a hugely encouraging update on her Instagram page today about some rapid progress in the water.

She wrote: “I’ve moved up from the slow lane using the pool ladder and my snorkel to now confident fast lane use.”

But the post also underlined the effort involved: “I’m trying to give myself the grace of “off season” speed but it’s a whole new level of awful at the moment.

“Thoracic and neck mobility and strength has been the focus of the last few weeks, not just for swimming but also for life.

“It’s so rewarding to see the little gains and then to put them back into the sport. The strength and mobility to swim 4km is something I couldn’t imagine a few weeks ago. But now I can even lift myself out the pool.”

Matthews has also been putting in the kilometres on the bike turbo and everyone at TRI247 continues to wish her well as she works her way back to full health and fitness.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

IRONMAN Florida 2026 men’s results: Stunning WORLD RECORD for Magnus Ditlev

Alanis Siffert caps breakthrough season with IRONMAN Florida win and earns Kona 2027 slot

Challenge Xiamen 2026 results: Shock and dramatic win as Blummenfelt and Iden finish outside top 10

Hayden Wilde targets WTCS and T100 double as Mika Noodt makes Dubai comeback

Lionel Sanders pulls out of Challenge Xiamen and reveals IRONMAN Cozumel switch

Let’s race… Marbella T100

Let’s Race Guide – Qatar T100

IRONMAN Florida 2026: Date, start time and how to follow as star names target late-season success

IRONMAN Florida 2026 men’s results: Stunning WORLD RECORD for Magnus Ditlev

Alanis Siffert caps breakthrough season with IRONMAN Florida win and earns Kona 2027 slot

Challenge Xiamen 2026 results: Shock and dramatic win as Blummenfelt and Iden finish outside top 10

Hayden Wilde targets WTCS and T100 double as Mika Noodt makes Dubai comeback

Lionel Sanders pulls out of Challenge Xiamen and reveals IRONMAN Cozumel switch

IRONMAN Florida 2026: Date, start time and how to follow as star names target late-season success

Saudi Arabia T100 postponed as PTO plans men’s pro race in Dubai instead

IRONMAN winner Cameron Main calls 228km backyard ultra ‘hardest thing I’ve ever done’

Share to...