Search
shop

‘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
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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.
Advertisement

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.
Discover more
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
latest News
The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf
PTO reveal ambitions of matching Roth and Kona as French Riviera T100 triathlon course details unveiled
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘No No No’ – Sam Long says he felt ROBBED by swim cancellation at ‘69.1 Chattanooga’
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...