On her day, one of the most talented women on the long course cicruit, Cat Morrison is having an annus horribilis in 2012. A succession of injuries and a bereavement have knocked her season completely – meaning she has been watching much of the action from the sidelines.

To compound this, she has had an accident on the bike that has resulted in a broken collar bone – all combining to rule her out for the rest of the year.

I caught up with Cat to find out what had happened and when we might get to see one of the most talented long distance ladies back in action.

Hi Cat – I was really sorry to hear you were ‘enjoying’ the services of the NHS once again. I understand you have crashed out on your bike and injured yourself… what happened?

We were in Italy. Ironically enjoying a summer holiday as opposed to training camp due to my injury status!

We had just arrived in Bormio in the Alps for the last few days of our stay. It was late afternoon and having been in the van all day driving we decided to do a “spin” up Bormio2000 – a local ski hill. Ten kilometres, a few hairpins, an hour later….Anyhow, on the way back down I hit a rough patch of road that I didn’t see in the shade and just got thrown from the bike.

After your incredibly poignant blog post earlier in the year, do you feel you might be ready to return to racing at the top level soon?

I think that 2012 is annus horribilus. They say back luck come in threes so I am ready to move on.

My achilles continue to be a medical mystery and I have consultations with regards to surgery in September. It’s hard to watch from the sidelines – especially the Olympics.

I long for the opportunity to push myself again and I miss feeling so strong and fit. If anything this year has taught me is that we are never as invincible as our level of fitness would let us believe.

Do you have any messages for your friends and supporters?

I’d just like to say thank you to everyone for their support – friends, family, sponsors. I can’t wait to get back out there but I’m learning to be patient.

What have you been up to this year when not rehabbing your injuries?

The injury has also given me the opportunity to do a little coaching with some local clubs and some friends.  I have also been volunteering with Winning Scotland Foundation on their Champions in Schools program.

I’ve been involved as an athlete and a consultant with this programme since its inception and I am now helping to manage the project. With the wonderful Olympic results and the buzz about the Commomwealth Games it’s a real opportunity to inspire and motivate young people to challenge themselves in life – check it out at: www.championsinschools.com 

Thanks Cat and all the best with your recovery.