Before the European Championships in Turkey

Fencer went through heaven and hell for six months

Julia Eistert (left) can pursue her passion again after a forced break.(Bild: Privat)

It was a long road from a sudden slipped disc to her comeback. After months of hard work, fencer Julia Eistert is returning to the competition stage - at the U23 European Championships in Antalya. This closes a circle.

Shortly before Christmas, fencer Julia Eistert qualified for the U23 European Championships in Halle (Germany). A short time later, she suddenly felt a pain in her back. "I woke up with extreme pain," says the 21-year-old. The doctors just sent her around. They said the pain was just an overload. But Eistert didn't let up: "I knew something wasn't right because I couldn't feel my leg one hundred percent." Her physiotherapist finally recognized signs of a slipped disc. The operation took place in January.

"Having fun and fencing"
"It was very intense because I'm not used to not doing sport," said the English and American Studies student, who had to go through hell and complete many rehabilitation sessions. "Working with my physio Lukas Reiter was really good. I'm very grateful to him."

Around four weeks ago, the Salzburg native was back in heaven and finally able to fence. The fact that her preparation for the U23 European Championships in Antalya (Tur) was not ideal does not dampen her joy. "I just want to have fun and fence. It's such a reward to be able to go there." The squad fencer will board the plane to Turkey on Thursday, with the major event starting on Friday.