Prior to the accident, she was nearing exhaustion.

Kristina Vogel, the 34-year-old former track cyclist who was paralysed from the neck down in a severe training accident in 2018, has opened up about her decision to quit elite sports and the impact it has had on her life.

Before her accident, Vogel was at the peak of her career, recognised as the most successful track cyclist in the world. Yet, despite her success, she was "mentally at rock bottom," feeling the weight of immense pressure and the expectation to only be gold.

Vogel was often told to "be strong" and "be a man" in her sporting environment, a sentiment that she believes was prevalent during her time growing up. Mental health issues were not taken seriously, and she wishes someone had helped her address her own struggles before the accident.

The accident, which turned her life 180 degrees, served as a turning point for Vogel. She found liberation in quitting elite sports, a decision that was a relief as it meant she no longer had to prove herself to anyone.

Vogel's long-term partner and now husband was involved in her decision, and she wishes she had given herself more time to grieve after the accident. Despite the challenges, she is grateful for the personal time she now has, believing it's important for success in elite sports.

Since quitting, Vogel has married her long-term partner and is now working as a coach. She emphasises the importance of mental health, a subject she wishes had been more openly discussed during her career. Her former national coach, who referred to her as "our best man," would likely agree with her sentiments.

Vogel knows that physical and mental health are intertwined, and she encourages everyone to prioritise both. Her accident may have ended her career as an elite athlete, but it has given her a new purpose and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.