Fermanagh rower Holly Nixon is looking forward to returning stronger in 2019 after ending her season with the GB Rowing Team prematurely to undergo a minor operation.
Nixon, who was crowned world champion in 2016 in the women’s four and won bronze in the quadruple scull in 2017, is looking forward to competing without restriction in the run up to the Olympic Games in two years’ time.
“It’s disappointing to end my season early but I know it is best for my long-term health and my hopes of competing at Tokyo 2020,” she said.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision to make but sometimes the harder decisions in life are the right ones. Making hard decisions is something that comes with being an elite athlete and I know this will serve me well for the rest of my career.
“My teammates, coaches and family have been really supportive throughout this process and I look forward to returning to racing next year.”
Paul Thompson, British Rowing Chief Coach for Women, said: “Elite sport rarely goes in straight lines. Holly’s talent and record speaks for itself; by sitting out this season Holly will be able to get on top of her health and lay the foundation for her ambitions at the Olympic qualifying World Championships in 2019 and Tokyo 2020.”