It hasn’t been the easiest of months for local triathlete and cyclist Hannah Cutajar, who, just over a month ago, was hit by a truck while cycling. Last month, she shared an emotional post about her experience, and also told us about the toll this took on her. Now, the athlete who dominated in Dubai’s Ironman earlier this year, gives us a peek into her road to recovery, and what this means for her future in triathlons.

In recovery

“It’s actually been much better than I thought,” Hannah starts off, commenting on her overall recovery so far. “I’ve had amazingly good days but also some low moments, especially at the beginning. It’s taken a while, but I am slowly getting back into things. I’m super happy,” she admits.

“My coach has been a massive help along the way, even though he lives in France,” she notes, “It felt like he has been with me this entire time. Him, my family and my closest friends – I really have them to thank for keeping me sane.”

However, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Hannah, who shares her struggles with her recovery. “Once I had my operation, I somehow assumed I’d be good to go in no time. I was actually in a lot of pain initially, so it felt like I had actually regressed. I think I sat on the sofa for most of that week just feeling sorry for myself,” Hannah admits. “I was used to getting up early and training and now I’d get up and not really have much to do, especially at the beginning when even working was quite painful.”

Hannah also mentions the mental toll it took on her. “Initially I struggled quite a bit mentally, I won’t lie, I was in a pretty dark place. The hardest part for me was actually getting my head around it, or rather realising that people are so much worse off than me. So instead of saying why me, I just had to accept the situation and channel my energy into being more determined than ever. It actually took reading a book that my CEO sent over to me to really realise this. I’m lucky to work for such a supportive company... that helped a lot.”

“Once I managed to wrap my head around things, in many ways it helped me. It gave me a chance to rediscover myself and to appreciate the smaller things in life. It helped me understand who my real friends are too - also confirming that I married the right guy! I know it hasn’t always been easy but both him and my mum have been stars throughout this all.”

What about her cycling?

Hannah says that while she has been on a bike after the incident, she admits it hasn’t been easy. “I’ve been training indoors for several weeks now and that’s really helped to keep me motivated. I actually managed to get out on my bike last Sunday. It was only a short ride and my husband actually drove me to our meeting point (previously I would have cycled there but my confidence has definitely taken a knock) but it was great to be back out riding in a group.”

Are triathlons still in the pipeline?

“Definitely,” she says, sounding super motivated and ready to get back out there. “I’ll actually be racing for a few foreign teams next year so am definitely looking forward to that. As for the time being, it’s all about getting my strength back. My coach will be over in Malta in a few weeks so that will help a lot too,” she adds, more motivated than ever.

Keep slaying, Hannah!