Image source: Getty ImagesByHarry PooleBBC Sport Journalist2 hours agoJess Judd doesn’t remember much of that night in Rome. It has been a long, difficult journey since then, but the 31 year-old speaks with admirable calmness about the traumatic experiences which have led “I feel very fortunate to have had a second chance in running.” Warner Judd told BBC Sport that he was lucky to have a second chance. “I remember really horrible conversations after trying to restart track season and it didn’t happen. The doctors were brilliant and said that I would have to retire from track if I continued to try before I received therapy because my body wouldn’t cope. “The distressing details about what unfolded in Stadio Olimpico were vividly recalled by her husband Rob who witnessed the entire event from the stands along with Warner Judd’s father and Coach, Mike, in 2024. The lack of coordination. The veering into lanes 2 and 3. Her distress was becoming more visible. Warner Judd continued to struggle until, with 600m left, she collapsed. Image source, Getty ImagesIt wasn’t until late at night that Rob and Mike could finally visit Warner Judd. She apologized for not finishing the race in hospital, but was unaware of how serious the situation was. She had an undiagnosed seizure. She had another seizure after she was taken off the track in a stretcher. This time it was so severe that she needed to be sedated. “That really made me realize that this was a very serious situation,” says Rob. It also made me realize that there are other things in life besides running. At that point, I was like, I don’t care if she never races ever again, as long as she’s OK.”The first indication had arrived a few months earlier when, at a low-key 10,000m race in California, Warner Judd failed to cross a finish line for the first in her career.She had suffered a similar mid-race seizure there but, because epilepsy is difficult to diagnose and seizures are often the only symptom, subsequent medical tests were unable to identify the cause.This time, Warner Judd got an answer when she was diagnosed with focal epilepsy, meaning her seizures typically start in one side of the brain and cause unusual feelings, sensations or movements.Unsure then what the future might hold, her journey back has proven far from straightforward.Trapped nerve and wee stops – running a marathon 22 weeks pregnant1 day agoGB’s Cairess out of London Marathon with injury15 AprilWith an Olympic Games on the horizon, Warner Judd attempted an immediate return to running but soon discovered that her body was not up to the task. It took Warner Judd 12 minutes to complete her first mile. She had a personal best of under two minutes for 800m. Warner Judd says it was difficult to fall in love with running again. “I used to run to clear my mind and feel better. It was my safe place. Then, to have this association between racing and having seizures… I was terrified that it would happen again. “It helps you to refocus your goals and outlook on life. In terms of running, I did it just for myself. “If I do well and achieve great things, that’s fantastic. But it’s a very secondary goal. You never know when you’ll lose it, so I want it to be as good as I can. “Image source, Getty ImagesWarner Judidd has settled into her new home in Rob’s hometown of Clitheroe. Warner Judd reversed her decision to never run another race within 24 hours. She also accepted the offer to race in London, just a few miles from her hometown of Canvey Island in Essex. Warner Judd has left the door open. It was once thought impossible. But she’s now ready to return. Warner Judd admits, “I want to get back to it.” “But before I wanted to go to it to prove that I was able to do it. I think that part is gone now. “Now, if I am going to enjoy this and feel like I can run well, I would like to go back. “I feel there is still unfinished business. It’s not goodbye for good – just now. “Related TopicsAthletics
