Commonwealth Games boxing bronze medallist Troy Garton isn't letting a ruptured ACL get in the way of her dreams of representing New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The 30-year-old tore the ligament the day before flying out to the Gold Coast in April, but pushed through the pain to claim a podium finish.
"I did not, in a million years, expect them to say you've completely torn your ACL," Garton told Newshub.
"It had been such a journey to get there, so to hear that, I just thought, 'it can't be over. I haven't fought this hard for nothing'.
"I just wanted to step in that ring, so the relief when I got through the fight and actually won was just overwhelming. I couldn't believe it."
Garton's now been given a lifeline from New Zealand boxing in the form of a dispensation from this weekend’s NZ selections, so she can instead focus on her rehabilitation before November’s world champs in China.
And her goals extend far beyond that.
"I've got dreams and aspirations that need to be met. I'd like to qualify for the Olympics in 2020, so that’s my focus at the end of the day.
"I'd do anything to try and get me there."
Watch the full story above
Newshub.
