British Olympic and Commonwealth medalist Molly Caudery sidelined by season-ending spinal surgery

British Olympic and Commonwealth medalist Molly Caudery sidelined by season-ending spinal surgery

The 26-year-old world indoor champion has been forced to end her 2026 season following emergency spinal surgery.

After experiencing a sudden worsening of her condition last week, Caudery underwent a microdiscectomy to address a protruding spinal disc. The procedure aims to prevent further complications and stabilize her condition.

As a result, she will miss upcoming major competitions, including this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Championships in Birmingham.

Just days prior to her surgery, Caudery achieved a personal best of 4.80 meters to claim victory at the Diamond League meet in Rome.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking,[**TITLE**]British Olympic and Commonwealth medalist Molly Caudery sidelined by season-ending spinal surgery

British pole vault record holder Molly Caudery has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following urgent spinal surgery after a sudden flare-up of her condition.

The 26-year-old world indoor champion required a microdiscectomy—a procedure to remove a portion of her spinal disc—to address a deteriorating injury that emerged during last week’s competition.

This setback means she will miss both the 2024 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Championships in Birmingham, derailing her bid for gold in two major championships this summer.

Caudery’s season, however, began with a triumphant performance at the Diamond League meeting in Rome, where she cleared 4.80 meters to secure victory with a personal best for the season.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. I was so excited to represent Great Britain on the world stage, and now I have to walk away,” Caudery shared on Instagram, revealing the emotional toll of her injury. “Just when I felt like I was turning things around, this happens.”

An avid chronicler of her career, she added a wry reflection: “Emergency spinal surgery wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card.” Her resilience shines through as she battles the physical and emotional challenges of a sudden health crisis.

Caudery’s Olympic journey hits another roadblock after failing to clear her opening height at the 2024 Paris Games and missing last year’s World Championships in Tokyo due to an ankle injury during warm-ups.

“I had a back flare-up last week that escalated rapidly, requiring immediate surgical intervention to prevent long-term damage,” she explained during a press statement.

“The surgery was successful, and while the road to recovery will be long, it starts today,” she added, emphasizing her determination to return stronger.

Looking ahead to 2026, Caudery expressed lingering optimism: “I had hoped 2026 would be my breakthrough year after the heartbreak in Paris and Tokyo—and everything in between. But I wanted to add another chapter to my autobiography before the comeback.”

An accomplished athlete with a Commonwealth silver from 2022 and a European bronze from 2024, Caudery’s story is one of perseverance in the face of mounting adversity.

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