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‘Overthinking is not going to help’ – Marten van Riel taking recovery step by step

The Belgian's mental resilience has been tested but Marten van Riel is trying to stay positive as he comes back from injury
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Marten van Riel say he is striving to maintain a positive outlook as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The Belgian star’s 2022 season came to an abrupt end last June when he took a heavy fall at WTCS Leeds.

The incident not only left him with a dislocated shoulder, but, more concerningly, a bone oedema in the talus (ankle bone).

Van Riel, who claimed an eye-catching IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai victory at the start of last year, has endured a frustrating rehabilitation process so far.

Marten Van Riel Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Alex Yee beats Marten Van Riel (left) in an epic finish at Super League Triathlon Malibu in 2021.

Positive outlook

But amid the mental challenge of such a lengthy return to fitness, the 30-year-old is doing his best to focus on the small gains he is making each week.

“Trying to focus on what lies ahead,” he wrote on Instagram. “I have had a lot of doubts lately, unsure if I will ever be able to get back to where I was 12 months ago.

“Pondering about being sidelined for this long literally makes me sick to my stomach.”

“So overthinking is not going to help. I have been making some little steps forward these last weeks!

“The only thing in my control is to give it my best every day and keep moving forward.”

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
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