My Achilles tendon rupture forced me to rethink my priorities.
Originally published on LinkedIn on 23 September 2026. References to dates and events reflect that time.
Sometimes you are simply forced to remember how important your health really is.
I have to admit that health sometimes slips quite far down my list in everyday life. A packed schedule, events, family, hobbies and, of course, sport.
And I probably overdid that last one a little over the past few months 😅
In April, I took part in my first HYROX race. Afterwards, I was already busy training for the next one.
Until I ruptured my Achilles tendon while playing basketball in early August. You get up in the morning feeling like Superman 😉 and by the evening, after the rupture, you need help with every little thing.
Surgery, crutches, a brace and a fairly long enforced break.
The weeks after my Achilles tendon rupture
Several weeks have now passed, and fortunately my recovery is progressing well.
One thing I quickly realised, though: an injury like this is a real challenge mentally as well as physically. Especially when you are used to being constantly on the go, playing sport and feeling as though there is always something to do.
But this enforced break has had a positive side too. My Achilles tendon rupture reminds me how easily health can slip out of focus in a busy life.
It has given me time to reassess my priorities and, above all, to put more focus on my health again.
The past few weeks have certainly not been easy. But at least they have put a few things back into perspective for me.
Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a real bang — there actually was one when my Achilles tendon ruptured — to make you realise this again 🙏
