Tracey Budapest-bound, despite injury setbacks

For two-time national 100 metres champion Tyquendo Tracey, his statement of intent for his comeback is the Olympics Games in Paris next year. For now, he says that booking his place on his first World Championships team since 2019 is a big step in a journey that has involved several injury setbacks to get him to Budapest next month.

Tracey finished third in the men's 200 metres final at the National Senior Championships, clocking 20.48 seconds, making his return to the World Championship stage after four years.

And while the relief and joy of securing his spot was obvious, what meant more to Tracey was getting back into form after a difficult year.

"Running myself into shape meant more to me than making the team. That might sound weird, but to be honest, I was having doubts; but when I came out here, I don't know, something about the championships," Tracey told STAR Sports. "Once I got out here, I was like, 'If you are better than me on the day, so it goes, but I am coming to give my all', and I did that."

He secured his place despite being snakebitten, with injury problems that piled up this year, but Tracey banked on his warrior-like spirit, which was the catalyst for him pushing through the setbacks.

"From getting really sick to pulling my groin in early February, I was out for a month and a half. After, I developed a heel spur that prevented me from walking properly - I did train on it nonetheless.

"I am here. I am always a fighter. Everyone knows that. It is sheer luck and hard work and the belief from the coach, why I actually came back for the trials," Tracey said.

The comeback trail for Tracey can be traced to the Olympic Games in 2021, where injury ended his campaign before it began. He is happy that he is on the plane to Budapest, but hopes it is the platform for his true comeback season next year, to finish the story at the Paris Olympics.

"Ever since Tokyo, when I pulled up before the 100 metres, it has been a mess. Injury after injury, but finally, I am back. I am back now looking to take over next year. Regardless of what people see this year, don't pay that any mind," Tracey said. "It is still taking me to Budapest, and I am just looking forward to making next year great."