Body Changes and Injury

Injuries suck, plain and simple, there is no way around it, but they happen to everyone. If you play sport long enough you will miss time due to an injury. ICONS is not here to teach you how to stretch or to avoid injury. ICONS is here to make sure you stay positive, do the work and know your teammates have your back. You will be back with your team in no time.

During the teenage years, your body is going to change, thats a fact. This is definitely going to affect how you play sport. You will grow taller, stronger and get body hair. Hormonal changes will impact your desire and your energy levels and sometimes it will just be really hard to focus. These changes are completely normal, and with time and support, you will learn to adapt and continue to enjoy and improve in your sport of choice.

Some of Australia’s best and most accomplished athletes share their stories of how they have dealt with injuries and changes to their bodies. Check out their stories below for motivation and understand. Always remember:

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

Peppa Poultney

QAFLW Player - 22 y/o from Queensland

Last season, I tore two ligaments in my ankle during one of my footy games. It meant I was out for the rest of the season, and I spent two weeks in a moon boot and wasn’t allowed to run for ages after that. Watching my teammates continue to train and play without me was really tough. I hated being stuck on the sidelines while my friends were still out there doing what I love.

What made it worse was the fear. I felt disappointed, worried that I wouldn’t be the same player when I finally came back. I even started to feel a bit left out, like I wasn’t part of the team anymore. But I slowly turned things around. I set small goals for myself during rehab, first just being able to walk properly again, then doing strength work, and eventually returning to skills and running. I saw my physio regularly while following the program I was given, and stayed as involved as I could with the team.

Now, I’ve played every game this season and I actually feel stronger than before the injury. It took time and patience, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Even if you can’t play right now, focus on the small steps, every bit of progress adds up. You’ll come back stronger, and your team will be waiting to welcome you back.

Watch Peppa’s Story

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Body changes and Injuries

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