Ricketts back in the saddle

As the son of former world showjumping champion Derek Ricketts and nephew of legendary jockey John Francome, Bolton's Sam Ricketts is used to the concept of clearing obstacles.

Thankfully, he is now over his biggest hurdle after making a successful comeback from the major Achilles tendon injury he suffered 11 months ago. The 30-year-old Wales international never lost faith while injured and working under the guidance of UK Athletics' Performance Therapist Gerry Ramogida, Ricketts' career is happily back on track again.

"There were times when it was hugely frustrating," said Ricketts. "Any little hindrance was unsettling. The plus side for me was that it fell between seasons. I went to America for a week and did some rehab out there and from July onwards I worked with UK Athletics."

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