These were the crushing words given to Karl Hick, Chairman of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, when surgeons examined his knee after years of wear and tear from running. For many, such news would be the end of the road. But for Karl, a former Olympic-trained athlete from the era of Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram giving up was not an option.
Despite being told he needed a full knee replacement, Karl wasn’t ready to let his running days slip away. His relentless determination pushed him to seek a second opinion. He found a surgeon, Dr Nassr, who believed in a different approach. Instead of a full replacement, Dr Nassr proposed a partial knee replacement, offering Karl the possibility to run again.
That was in December 2023, with the dream of competing at the World Masters Athletics Championships less than a year away, Karl embarked on a rigorous training regimen. His sights were set on the 5000m event, and nothing was going to stop him – not his knee, not the doubters and certainly not the odds.
The World Masters Athletics Championships, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from the 13th to the 25th of August, marked the 25th edition of the event. The Gothenburg Athletics Association extended a warm welcome to athletes and fans from around the world for what would be the largest championship ever, featuring over 8,000 participants and more than 16,000 event starts. It was a celebration of athleticism, endurance and determination on a global scale.
Karl participated in the men’s cross-country team event in his age group (65+), representing Great Britain. Against fierce competition, Karl and his team finished an impressive 2nd, with the USA taking the win and Sweden rounding out the podium in 3rd place.
Overall, Team GB performed exceptionally well throughout the championships, finishing 3rd in the medals table behind only the USA and Germany. Karl’s silver medal performance was a contributor to the UK’s overall success at the event, showcasing that his determination to compete on the world stage was not just personal – it was a victory for the entire nation.
Reflecting on his journey, Karl said:
“I’m extremely proud of my silver medal. I would like to thank my knee surgeon, Dr Nassr, for operating last December. He believed in me when others didn’t, and I told him I would get to the World Championships in August. We both did what we said, and I would like to publicly thank him and his two assistants. Their work on my new knee was fantastic, especially as two top surgeons had previously told me they couldn’t do it.”
Karl’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and refusing to accept limitations. Competing at a world-class level at any age is a remarkable achievement, but to do so after overcoming such odds is nothing short of extraordinary.
Karl Hick’s journey is more than just a comeback story – it’s an inspiration to everyone facing challenges that seem insurmountable. His journey proves that with the right mindset, the right support and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.
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