Rewind a year ago and Jazmin Sawyers was in the depths of an injury, having undergone surgery for a ruptured Achilles on her take-off leg and questioning the likelihood of ever returning to world-class level. Yet now – with a burning fire in her belly – the long jumper is on the cusp of securing World Championship selection as she targets a fifth gold medal at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham (August 2-3).

Sawyers’ comeback story enjoys a fairy-tale status, with the 31-year-old City of Stoke athlete flying to an incredible World Championship-qualifying 6.89m leap in Greece back in May – close to her 7.00m lifetime best – after an arduous 20-month hiatus from the runway.

With redemption for such cruel lost time in the height of her athletic career now on her mind, the Loughborough-based Sawyers is certainly back with a bang:

“I’m really proud of how my comeback’s going and I’m so grateful to my coach, Ashton Moore and physio, Michael Johnston for getting me to this point so soon,” she revealed.

“People gently suggested I give up the sport but I always had every faith I’d get back to this shape, and now it’s an absolute joy – I appreciate being able to jump more than ever and I’m having the time of my life on that runway, it’s so special.”

The European indoor champion opened her 2025 campaign with an impressive 6.53m in Loughborough in May and followed that performance up with 6.66m before registering her fine season’s best in Greece. Jumps of 6.60m and 6.75m have followed, solidifying an eye-catchingly consistent competition period for an athlete who had no real expectations for the summer.

“The season so far has been fantastic – the goal was just to enjoy competing safely again with a quiet goal of qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo so now, everything’s a bonus,” Sawyers explained.

“Coming back from such a big injury is hard but my team did such a good job – once my rehab was complete by December, I’ve been training normally but progressing slowly. I didn’t sprint for a long time but then I was suddenly sprinting PB’s so that was a big shock.

“I appreciate my jumping more and am determined not to waste any opportunities to compete, it’s all given me fresh motivation for sure.”

Having been forced to miss the Paris Olympics last year, the two-time Olympic eighth-placer is determined to not let another major international championship pass her by, and an appearance at the Nuvona London Athletics Meet, Diamond League last Saturday provided timely key preparation against a world-class field. Speaking ahead of the event she said:

“London’s always a real highlight of my year so being able to compete there again is an absolute dream,” the double European outdoor medalist said.

Next up, the two-time UK indoor champion will attack another milestone in her inspiring return to the sport with her British title defence in the Alexander Stadium:

“The Nationals are my favourite comp of the year – historically, I’ve had so many PB’s and stadium records in those competitions because it’s an event that really matters – it gets me very excited and it’s a privilege to be doing it again,” explained Sawyers.

“I want to win this in my comeback season and secure my spot for the Worlds. I’m not worried about the distance – I’m just focusing on winning. There are so many good jumpers coming through so I hope everyone is in their best form.”

Relishing her reputation for being an entertainer on the in-field, she continued:

“I have a background in musical theatre so I love being in front of an audience, putting on a show. I like to make sure the fans enjoy it and I love getting the clap going with the crowd. I love having the spotlight and all eyes on me – that’s when I’m able to bring extra to my jumping.”

Having passed the character-building process of returning from career-threatening injury with flying colours, Sawyers may be filled with gratitude and a philosophical perspective, but the fierce competitive nature for major event medals remains:

“I want to make that final in Tokyo then it’s anybody’s to play for, that would be a real success story for me and my team,” she revealed.

“And I’ve been excited for next summers European Championships in Birmingham since it was first announced – it’s always been a big aim and my target is to get a medal there in front of the home crowd, I remember telling my surgeon that.”

The Novuna UK Athletics Championships heads to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham between 2-3 August as the nation’s best athletes battle for national titles and spots on the team for this year’s World Athletics Championships. Expect world-class performances, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Tickets are on sale now from £20 adults / £10 under-16s. Don’t miss it!