British sprinter James Dasaolu has confirmed that he’ll be having “urgent surgery”, after a campaign to raise funds.
The 2014 European champion currently has over £13,000 of his £25,000 target for treatment and rehabilitation after he ruptured his achilles tendon.
The 31-year-old is aiming to get his career back on track in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Dasaolu – who hasn’t competed in over a year – has received over 300 donations so far including from GB team mates.
In an update posted on his GoFundMe page, which has been shared over 400 times, the athlete from London said he was “truly overwhelmed” by the support he has received.
He says he’ll be seeing Dr James Calder next week, an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in dealing with foot and ankle injuries among athletes.
In a biography on a clinic website, it says he’s worked with Premier League footballers, along with international rugby stars and dancers.
According to an initial estimate on the campaign site, medical intervention could cost £9,000 for Britain’s second fastest 100m runner ever.
There have been a number of anonymous donations, alongside a noticeable display of solidarity from other British track and field competitors and coaches.
Among the athletes who have publicly donated are Dina Asher-Smith, Asha Philip, Martyn Rooney, Morgan Lake, Reece Prescod, CJ Ujah, Daryll Neita, Adam Gemili, Desiree Henry, Dai Greene, Tiffany Porter, Cindy Ofili, Charlie Grice, Sophie Hahn and Richard Whitehead.
