Kaiza Karlén Pauses Career Due to Ongoing Injuries
Kaiza Karlén pauses her athletic career due to injuries as she plans to focus on advocacy during her hiatus.
Key Points
- • Karlén pauses her athletic career at age 26 due to recurring injuries.
- • She had hoped to compete in the World Championships in Tokyo but decided against it after experiencing heel pain.
- • Karlén expressed her feelings about the decision on Instagram, stating it felt good to share her secret.
- • During her break, she will work on her project 'Idrott Utan Kroppsfixering'.
Kaiza Karlén, a 26-year-old Swedish long jumper, has announced a pause in her athletic career as she grapples with recurring injuries, particularly heel pain. The decision comes just before the World Championships in Tokyo, where she had hoped to compete but ultimately chose to step back due to her health struggles.
In an emotional revelation shared on Instagram, Karlén expressed her relief at finally disclosing her challenges, describing the mixed feelings that accompany her decision. "It felt good to share my secret," she stated, highlighting the emotional toll her injury has taken on her ambitions.
During this career break, Karlén plans to focus on her advocacy project, 'Idrott Utan Kroppsfixering,' which aims to challenge societal pressures related to body image in athletics. She will spend the next two months in a co-living space in Portugal, intending to connect with inspiring individuals while contemplating her future in sports and health.
Karlén's choice underscores the significant impact that injuries can have on professional athletes, particularly when navigating both physical and mental health issues. As she embarks on this new chapter, her focus on advocacy could serve to inspire others who face similar struggles in their sporting journeys.