After a “really tough” journey spanning two years filled with setbacks and challenges, New Zealand sevens star Andrew Knewstubb is on the cusp of a triumphant return to the SVNS Series. The 28-year-old athlete endured the agony of not one but two ACL ruptures, followed by a debilitating infection post-surgery, which landed him back in the hospital. Last April, in an interview with New Zealand’s 1News, Knewstubb candidly admitted that his second ACL injury led him to question whether he would ever grace the rugby field again.
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However, resilience has been the hallmark of Knewstubb’s journey. Despite the adversities, the seasoned sevens veteran, known for his exceptional fitness and agility, has resumed training with his New Zealand teammates. According to reports by Newshub’s Ollie Ritchie, Knewstubb is now on the verge of making a comeback to the All Blacks Sevens squad.
Reflecting on his arduous path, Knewstubb shared with Newshub the challenges he faced: “The injury stuff has been really tough. It just seems that when it rains it pours… like everything is going wrong. Every day just felt like a test, and every day I’ve just tried to answer that test and get through the test.”
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The toll of the journey has extended beyond the physical realm, impacting his personal life. Knewstubb described moments when even his beloved dog’s eagerness for a walk felt like an additional hurdle amidst the recovery process.
With the Olympic Games in Paris looming just over five months away, New Zealand’s sevens squad harbors a collective ambition after narrowly missing out on gold in Tokyo three years prior. Recalling the heartbreak of falling short in the final against Fiji, Knewstubb expressed a burning desire for redemption and the pursuit of gold.
In the realm of fitness tests, Knewstubb’s name still resonates among the fastest. Despite facing back-to-back ACL injuries, he remains a formidable force, with teammates acknowledging his exceptional speed and endurance. Sam Dickson, a fellow sevens veteran, revealed that Knewstubb’s agility is unparalleled, hinting that he may have matched or even surpassed the staggering feats of other athletes, including Cam Roigard, who recently dazzled with a remarkable time in the Bronco test.
As Knewstubb inches closer to his return, his resilience stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes overcoming adversity. With the prospect of donning the black jersey once again, he epitomizes the unwavering determination and passion that fuels the journey of every true champion.
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