New Zealand pole vaulter Eliza McCartney Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Welcome back Eliza McCartney.
The New Zealand pole vaulter is about to compete in her first world championships in six years and she's excited to be competing.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist has been plauged by injuries since then and admitted to RNZ last year that she was "learning how to run again."
She's now back running and vaulting near her best and last month recorded her third best height ever.
"It hasn't been particulary easy, but things have been very rapidly coming into place lately."
The 26 year old won her first national title in six years in March, then gained a world championship qualifying standard in Brisbane and since heading to Europe has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Competing a lot in Euope the last month has helped me find my feet much faster and get back into the form I need to be in," she told RNZ.
McCartney admits the return from injury has left her with mixed feelings about her chances in the world championships in Budapest.
"Because I've jumped 4:85 this season that can be considered medal contending, but of course you have to do it on the day.
"Personally I don't think about any of that (pressure), I've put myself in a good position going into this that I'm in form and ready to jump well.
The 26 year old last competed at a world champs in 2019 and so this time around it feels a bit like a new experience.
"I feel like I'm starting again because I'm not the same athlete I use to be.
"It doesn't feel like I'm picking up from where I left off, it does feel like I'm starting again.
Eliza McCartney in 2021. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It's going to be really nerve-wracking, but what I really want to do is just enjoy the fact that I'm here and pole vaulting again.
So what about here chances, McCartney is currently the second ranked vaulter this year behind American Katie Moon.
"Anyone of us could do it on the day and there is a solid pool of athletes who have the potential to be a medalist and I guess what I've done is put myself in that pool.
"Given the short amount of time I've had to be ready for these world championships I've probably got myself more ready than I would have expected.
So what emotions will she have when she lines up on the runway for her first world championships in six years?
"Honestly I'll just be thinking happy thoughts and trying to enjoy it."
McCartney is one of 19 New Zealand athletes competing at the world championships in Budapest, with pole vault qualifying on 21 August.
She's joined in the event by two other New Zealanders Olivia McTaggart and Imogen Ayris.
