NANTWICH solicitor Louise Clowes has made a miraculous recovery from a broken back and will take part in the World Duathlon Championships in Hungary on Sunday.
The 33-year-old thought her short career was over when she was involved in a serious car accident two years ago.
But, in a fightback reminiscent of Commonwealth Games cycling medallist Emma Davies Jones who also broke her back after a car accident, she got her career back on track.
Now she is gearing up for the biggest event in the duathlon calendar after qualifying to represent Great Britain in Gyor.
Louise, who works for commercial law firm Bowcock Cuerden, based at Manor Road, said: 'I broke my back in exactly the same place as Emma Davies-Jones.
'But I thought the doctors were wrong when they told me, and insisted I just had whiplash. I wanted pain-killers so I could compete in a triathlon that weekend!
'I had splintered a vertebra and a shard had entered my spinal canal, so there were genuine fears about my spinal cord being damaged. But fortunately it healed well.
'I spent two weeks in North Staffs Hospital and had to wear a brace for two months. It was frustrating and I was always wanting to get back to competing. Now I can't wait for these championships.'
Louise, who lives at Maer Heath, between Nantwich and Stone, only took up triathlon and duathlon events in 2004 after being inspired by watching an Ironman contest on TV.
Both endurance events, triathlon consists of running, cycling and swimming, while duathlon is running, cycling then running again.
Louise hit a tree while driving near junction 15 of the M6 motorway in May 2005. The accident was caused when she blackedout, though doctors have assured her it was a one-off, freak occurrence.
After making a full recovery, she enjoyed a successful 2006, before deciding to concentrate on shorter distances this season.
Louise made the GB team in a qualifier at Cambridge last month. After finishing 15th, she was put on the reserves list but was delighted to get a call-up two weeks later.
She jets to Hungary tomorrow to get there in time for the official opening ceremony on Friday. On Sunday she will run a total of 15k and cycle 40k in the age 29-34 cate gory.
Louise, who trains about 18 hours a week, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for me to represent my country.
'I have very realistic aims which are to race my best and get over the finish line. I have never even seen an international duathlon event on TV, so I have no idea what to expect. It will be a learning experience and I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to wear a GB kit and race against people from all over the world.'
Louise also aims to qualify for the Triathlon World Championships in Germany later this year.
Bowcock Cuerden managing director Philip Cuerden said: 'We are delighted at Louise's achievement and wish her every success.'
