GB pole vaulter fund rehab post surgery

Hi, my names Sophie Cook and I’m an elite pole vaulter for Great Britain.

After a nasty accident in April where I landed back on the track I really irritated a long term knee issue, resulting in knee surgery that I had on 29th June 2023. The surgery ended up being more invasive than we had hoped meaning a longer recovery.

This sport is something I dedicate my whole life to, so to say I am devastated to have to have ended my 2023 season is an understatement. My goal for this year was to go to European Team Championships and World Championships, I unfortunately had to pull out of the European Team Championships.

My goal is to throw everything I have at qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

I am currently financially unfunded and work 2 jobs as a physiotherapist. I absolutely love my job but unfortunately due to my injury and being on crutches post surgery I’m struggling to work. Being self employed, this makes things tough. As much as I’m trying to be positive I know that in order to have the best shot at achieving my goal for Paris, I need the best rehab process. Whilst struggling to work this is unfortunately something I can’t afford right now.

I have competed to an international level for Great Britain and England at the European Championships 2022 and Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022.

Absolutely any support towards my physio and rehab costs going forwards would be hugely beneficial and I would be forever grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

European Championships performance