Athletics

Shakes-Drayton could miss most of 2014 season

ESPN staff

November 26, 2013

Perri Shakes-Drayton finished seventh at the World Championships, but complained of injury © PA Photos

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Perri Shakes-Drayton has expressed doubt over whether she will compete at the 2014 European Championships and Commonwealth Games, admitting she is currently "learning how to walk."

Shakes-Drayton tore her posterior cruciate ligament while competing in the final of the 400 metres hurdles at the World Championships in August. The Brit finished seventh but complained of a knee injury after hitting both the third and fourth hurdles.

The 24-year-old underwent surgery a week after the championships and is continuing her recovery, but revealed how the extent of the injury had affected her mentality.

"You do have days when you doubt whether you'll be back but some athletes have done it in the past. I will be back, and I just have to keep saying that to myself," Shakes-Daryton told BBC Sport.

"I've come a long way because I was in a brace. And now you still see me hobbling along, but it's nice getting my independence back as I've got rid of the crutches. When I start running, then we can see whether it's going to take a season [to recover].

"I would love to be part of the Commonwealths and Europeans, but if it isn't going to happen I'm going to have to accept it. Now I'm just trying to learn how to walk and get my body stronger."

The 2014 Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow in July, while the European Championships are held a month later in Zurich.

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