Keely Hodgkinson fever hits hard as Britons suffer injuries trying to emulate Olympic pros

Research has revealed that Britons inspired by Olympians like Keely Hodgkinson often injure themselves by emulating these pros without proper preparation.

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has not only inspired a nation but also inadvertently contributed to a spike in sports injuries.

A recent survey reveals that more than a fifth of Brits have hurt themselves trying to emulate sporting professionals they have seen on television.

The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, surveyed 2,000 adults and found that half of them felt motivated by top athletes like Andy Murray, Adam Peaty, and Keely Hodgkinson following the Olympics and Paralympics.

However, enthusiasm has led to excessive eagerness, with 28 percent of respondents admitting to injuries due to "going too hard, too soon." Common injuries reported included shin splints and tennis elbow.

Sarah Lindsay, a three-time Team GB Olympian and founder of ROAR Fitness, emphasized the importance of preparation.

"Before beginning a sport, it's important that you assess your body for any imbalances, stiffness or weaknesses you have to help avoid injury when training," she explained as per Mirror.

Lindsay, who has partnered with AXA Health, also stressed the necessity of warming up, proper nutrition, hydration, and quality sleep to optimize performance and recovery.

Despite these cautions, nearly a third of those surveyed confessed they rarely or never warm up before exercising, leading to prolonged discomfort after intense sessions.

The report indicated that only 15 percent of adults consider themselves 'very healthy', highlighting a significant gap in lifestyle aspirations and actual health practices.

The main motivations for exercising among the participants are to improve physical health (52 percent), manage weight (40 percent), and reduce stress (34 percent).

However, the zeal to achieve these goals quickly sometimes leads to overexertion, with 21 percent suffering muscle cramps and 14 percent experiencing back strains, predominantly after engaging in football, tennis, or cycling.

Alarmingly, nine percent of the participants reported breaking a bone due to overdoing their new exercise routines.

Dr. John Burke, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health, offered advice on starting new exercise regimens.

"Starting a new exercise routine or taking up a new activity is an exciting and important step towards a healthier lifestyle, but it's crucial to remember that slow and steady progress is the key to long-term success," he said.

The research also noted a positive influence of the Olympics and Paralympics, with seven out of ten respondents believing that such events inspire people to try new activities.

Furthermore, 19 percent of those surveyed have returned to a sport they had previously participated in inspired by watching the sporting events this summer.