An Aberdeenshire woman who three years ago thought she may never walk again is to represent Great Britain in a world triathlon championship.
Coralie Arthur from Coull had to wear a leg brace for over a year after snapping a ligament while playing netball with friends in 2015.
But the 23-year-old has emerged at the other side of an arduous recovery process that included surgical reconstruction of her anterior cruciate ligament, which controls knee movement.
She has now been selected to compete for her country at the Cross Triathlon World Championships in Denmark later this month.
Miss Arthur told The Sunday Mail: “From an early age I had always loved sports but my netball accident taught me a lesson about never taking things for granted.
“I was pretty sure I would never be able to walk again, never mind swim, run or cycle.
“I had to take two years out of doing all the sport things I loved, but when I was able to slowly start doing things again I decided I would really go for it and be the best I could be.
“Not being able to move or train was such torture that it made me see everything in a different light.
“In many ways, I’m glad the accident happened. It truly opened my eyes.”
With the help of her family, Miss Arthur slowly built back up the power in her leg.
Alongside a series of physiotherapy exercises her dad Dermid, who teaches PE at Aboyne Academy, encouraged her to try something a little less conventional.
She said: “We used to go to Knockburn sports loch when I was a kid so dad got me a wetsuit and encouraged me to try something different.
“He got me into triathlons and I haven’t looked back.”
Miss Arthur gave her leg its first proper test last year when she took part in the 10km Loch Ness Beast Race, which included giant obstacles and water slides.
Now fully accustomed to exercising and the water, she will swim 1km, cycle 30km (18.6 miles) then run 10km (6 miles) across country trails for Great Britain in Denmark.
“Everything that’s happened has taught me to go for it while you can,” she said.
“Try new things, get out of your comfort zone and enjoy the journey.”
