TY - JOUR T1 - How my Achilles tendon rupture drives my academic career JF - British Journal of Sports Medicine JO - Br J Sports Med SP - 359 LP - 360 DO - 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105252 VL - 56 IS - 6 AU - Joris Chapon Y1 - 2022/03/01 UR - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/6/359.abstract N2 - In the winter of 2019, I was 24 years old and in my 12th year of competing in athletics. I had four selections in international competitions with the French national youth team and had four national titles in high jump (figure 1). After two difficult years, I had a good winter preparation and participated at the French National Championships. A little discomfort on my left Achilles tendon arrived insidiously, and at the end of the competition I thought that the pain would go away. I thought that this pain was like many others that I under-rated and neglected. I continued to train as usual as if nothing was wrong, and I planned for two other competitions in the following weeks. The pain did not disappear (but equally did not get worse), and my will to compete was higher than any reason to protect my health.Figure 1 Joris Chapon on 18 July 2013 during the European Junior championships at Rieti (Italia) in high jump. Picture taken by Emmanuel CHAPELLE.At the next French National Championships, I felt a sharp pain in my Achilles tendon during the warm-up. I was, however, determined to compete and to reach a medal position. I placed fourth and without any medals but did have a lot of difficulty walking. The pain was very strong, as if a torch was heating up my tendon! I decided to stop my indoor season in order to appropriately prepare for my outdoor season, with my … ER -