Anna Toman, a talented hockey player from Derby, has demonstrated remarkable determination as she prepares to compete in the Paris Olympics despite enduring chronic pain throughout her career.
Toman’s journey to the Olympics has been rife with challenges. Following a serious knee injury in 2023, which necessitated immediate surgery and an eight-month recovery period, her Olympic aspirations hung in the balance. Despite the physical and mental toll of the injury, Toman has remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence on the hockey field.
“I am currently dealing with wear and tear. I exert a significant amount of force through my left knee, and it is not something that can be easily fixed,” Toman disclosed. “I have an incredible team supporting me to help me manage it and devise a plan to minimize my pain, but I will always be in pain.”
Despite the hurdles she confronts, Toman’s determination remains unyielding. She has accepted that pain will be a constant companion in her athletic career, but it will never impede her drive to succeed. “I never want it to hinder my playing. I aim to retire, whenever that may be, on my own terms,” she articulated.
The support and encouragement from her team and coaches have been invaluable to Toman. Their unwavering belief in her abilities has bolstered her confidence during periods of uncertainty. Toman is set to join nine other teammates from the Tokyo 2020 squad as they embark on their journey to Paris, where they aspire to further showcase their talent on the global stage.
Aldi’s Nearest & Dearest programme has played a vital role in providing essential support to athletes like Toman, aiding them in maintaining focus on their performance and reducing potential distractions. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Toman is eager to make her family proud, particularly her late father Frank, a skilled Gaelic footballer who instilled in her the same love for sports.
“Everyone says I resemble him greatly in the way I carry myself and how I play, so I definitely use his memory as motivation,” Toman revealed.
As Toman sets her sights on Paris, her resilience and tenacity stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her sport. With the support of her loved ones and sponsors like Aldi, she is prepared to take on the challenge and leave her mark at the Olympic Games.