British 400m hurdler Lina Nielsen says she hopes to “inspire people” after revealing she is competing despite suffering from multiple sclerosis. In an exclusive interview, the British athlete explained that she first experienced symptoms of the condition when she was 13, before being diagnosed a month before her 18th birthday.
“I never wanted to be known as the athlete who got MS”, said Lina Nielsen, who also revealed that she suffered from depression after her diagnosis. “But it’s something that I hope will inspire people. Now is the right time. I want to tell my story. I was in the best shape of my life. The obstacles felt like they were on the ground. The timing couldn’t have been worse. The day before the race, I woke up, put on my t-shirt, and as my fingers caressed my body, I noticed that the left side was numb”, added she.
“During the race, the numbness had progressed to my left arm and most of my left leg, so that 90% of my left side was numb. I also started feeling weakness on the right side. It was the most important race of my life. I couldn’t help but run, so I tried to remember it”, said Lina Nielsen.
After a course of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, Nielsen’s symptoms have eased and she is due to return to the track on Thursday, representing England at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Lina Nielsen is a British sprinter. She won the 400 m hurdles at the 2021 European Athletics Team Championships with 55.59. Nielsen has a twin sister, Laviai Nielsen, who is also an international athlete of over 400m. She also won the bronze at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.
