Jo Jackson landed bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games in the women’s 400m freestyle, but this season is looking grim. The swimmer suffers from asthma, a condition that affects the lungs. Jo’s recent battle with the flu and respiratory illnesses in recent months has made her miss training and has compromised her season.
“I’ve had asthma before but I’ve never been through anything like this and it’s been scary,” Jo said. “I have no expectation of myself this year. Realistically I have a long way to go to be near my best.
“Because I’m breathing so hard while trying to train that my ribs keep popping out. I’m desperate to train well and get back to my best but it’s hard given my health. I’m training the best I can and I am aiming for the Commonwealth Games [this October, in India] and will be targeting qualification events later in the year.”
A common remedy to Jo’s situation is a steroid that would allow her lungs to return to normal function. However, because she is under such strict anti-doping regulations she will have to seek special permission or other remedies. Until then, she will train, suffer and continue to do everything in her power to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.