Manx triathlete returns to games after 2023 crash

Matt Looker has trained for 18 months after recovering from a neck injury

A Manx triathlon competitor who crashed out of the Island Games in 2023 is returning to the competition after a "slow and steady" recovery.

Matt Looker fractured his neck twice when he came off his bike during the cycling leg of the endurance event at the last contest in Guernsey.

He said his recuperation had been "a bit of a long road" but "there was not a moment" where he thought he would not get back to training and be ready to compete for this year's games in Orkney.

"We've got some fantastic triathletes on the team so it was always gonna be a tough task but thankfully I got the call. I'm ready to get my revenge on the event," he said.

Despite his injuries, the overall performance of the team in 2023 saw it take home a bronze medal - which Mr Looker was presented with in his hospital bed.

The triathlete suffered two neck fractures in a crash at the 2023 Guernsey games

He said after time spent in a neck brace, and with the support of his wife Kay, he had been able to "build back to about 95% of where my body was".

"I'm upright and I'm able to do exactly what I did before - if all I have to manage is a few niggles then I'll deal with it," he said.

"I also had a tough time mentally but Kay was there for me throughout, even though she was becoming very heavily pregnant with our daughter".

Matt Looker will compete in the triathlon event at the Orkney games

After resting and recovering, Mr Looker said he had managed to fit in 18 months of training in the build up to this year's competition, which had to be "slow and steady" at first.

Set for his third games, and with his wife and daughter travelling to cheer him on, he said he was "genuinely really looking forward" to representing the Isle of Man during Sunday's triathlon event which takes place around Stromness Harbour.

Aiming for another medal, the triathlete said "we have a really strong squad of both men and women who have put the training in".

"The goal for this games has to be bronze or better", he added.

Action at the Orkney Island Games was set to begin following Saturday's opening ceremony and continues until 18 July.