Paris 2024 marks a decade since Cox was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the last year has been perhaps her roughest yet, racked with relapses and plagued with injuries.
It all culminated in a cruel crash on the first turn of the 500m time trial, an event in which the 33-year-old was meant to win ParalympicsGB’s first medal of the Games and retain her title.
“The fact that I got here was amazing in itself,” said Cox, who posted the second-quickest time in qualifying. “I’m just gutted that I was able to ride a ride that was pretty great in the first round and then not go out there and show what I’m capable of.”
Cox only got back on the bike two weeks ago after a calf tear and was in a protective boot less than a month ago.
This time last year, she couldn’t walk after a serious relapse of MS affected her right side and it was weakness in that part of her body that proved her undoing in the final.
The world record holder looked strong in qualification but slipped out of the start gate at the start of the final.
Esta historia es de la edición August 30, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 30, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Fierce rivalry in best British flyweight fight for decades
This time last year, Sunny Edwards was on his way to the USA for a unification world title fight, and Galal Yafai was a five-fight novice.
Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes
Sarina Wiegman had already highlighted where England need to improve long before Emma Hayes and the United States landed in London ahead of today's marquee clash at Wembley.
Crisis at City has shades of Mourinho's Bridge too far
For all the comments on Pep Guardiola's scratches, some senior figures in football were a bit shocked by the image.
Our favourite brands are at risk from changing demand
Constantly evolving consumer habits are threatening even the biggest names - factor in a competitive marketplace and rising overheads, and they're goners, says Chris Blackhurst
Insurgents fighting Assad's Syrian regime enter Aleppo
Surprise offensive is first time city is attacked since 2016
Macron praises those who helped rebuild Notre-Dame
President visits cathedral as it prepares to reopen next week
Three main Irish parties set for election photo finish
Sinn Fein, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are virtually neck-and-neck in terms of first preference votes in the Irish general election, according to an exit poll last night.
Ukraine could cede land for peace deal, says Zelensky
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested he would temporarily cede Ukrainian territory to Russia in exchange for joining Nato.
Russia suffers record 2,000 losses in one day, says Kyiv
Claims of unprecedented military casualties for Moscow come as Putin’s forces make advances in eastern Ukraine
Police name mother killed in hit-and-run e-bike crash
A young mother who was killed after she was knocked off an ebike in a hit-and-run crash has been named.
