Respect the Aussie Who Ran 3,000m at the Commonwealth Games, Days After Appendix Surgery

Ever woken up with a sort-of scratchy throat, said, “Not today, Satan,” and just stayed in bed?

Well, prepare to feel disgusted with your unmotivated self after reading the inspirational, little-bit-gross tale of Aussie champ Victoria Mitchell, who competed in the Commonwealth Games’ 3,000m steeplechase final mere days after getting a gangrenous appendix removed.

According to the ABC, Mitchell had her appendix excised two weeks—to the day­—before she was set to compete in the steeplechase final on the Gold Coast, following a few days of intense stomach pains.

The 35-year-old later found out that the appendix was gangrenous, and because of the infection, she had to remain in hospital until 31 March.

 

I’m only going ONE WAY —> to the @commgamesaus !! Recovering rapidly and I am going to keep going! 👊🏼👊🏼 #unstoppable #day2outofhospital #recovery #rapid #onthemend #running #athletics #onewaytotheGC

A post shared by Victoria Mitchell (@vicmitchell1) on Apr 1, 2018 at 4:09pm PDT

She was then given a week by Athletics Australia to prove her fitness and was only given the green light to compete on Saturday… just four days after she’d gotten back on the track for training.

 

Track Thursday was a hit... followed by a phone call this morning to confirm that I’m off to @commgamesaus tomorrow and cleared to compete! 😄🙌🏼🎉 ⬅️ Swipe ⬅️ Stoked 🤙🏼 Thanks to everyone who helped my recovery ❤️❤️❤️ #thankyouallsomuch #track #steeplechase #commgames2018 #cg2018 #thisisathletics #recovery #stronger #rebound #athletics #athleticseast 📸 @paulmcguire5970 & @sharonne_antonir

A post shared by Victoria Mitchell (@vicmitchell1) on Apr 5, 2018 at 6:34pm PDT

Last night, she completed the 3,000m steeplechase, coming in ninth of ten competitors, at 10 minutes and 12.59 seconds. But remember, this isn’t your regular running race: the steeplechase is basically an obstacle course that includes 28 barriers and seven water jumps.

Mitchell’s teammate, Genevieve LaCaze, placed fifth, having also recently recovered from a foot injury. Aisha Praught, running for Jamaica, finished in first place with nine minutes, 21 seconds.

They might not have won the 100m events but Jamaica have won the women's 3000m Steeplechase! 🇯🇲 Aisha Praught surprises the Kenyans and takes gold. #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/JvJC7oaj0Q

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 11, 2018

So, next time you're considering chucking a sickie, think of Victoria Mitchell. (Unless you have stomach pains; then, you really should get that checked out ASAP.)

Photo: Instagram (vicmitchell1)