InsideWAIS Feature: Parnov’s Passion Unbroken
No one knows better than Liz Parnov just how quickly an Olympic dream can be extinguished. Yet as the 21 year-old picks up the pieces of a shattered Rio campaign, the resilience gained and the timely reminder of just how much she loves the sport, have ensured that the flicker of Tokyo ambition has flared every bit as fast.
The WAIS pole vaulter suffered a fractured tibia in her right leg after a training fall at the indoor pole vault facility in Mt Claremont last week. Whilst the injury has black-flagged her 2016 prospects, the 2012 Olympian knows that her sporting journey has many roads ahead.
“It’s just a bump in the road,” she said this week. “I’ll only be 25 by the next Olympics. I’ve just got to look to the next one now.
“I’m going to use the rest of this year to fully recover and come back stronger.”
Speaking with media at the WAIS facility this week, Parnov bore the scars of surgery and was supported structurally on crutches but symbolically by parents Alex and Nadia.
As a coach and former athlete himself, Alex Parnov was no stranger to injury, testament to the perils of pole vault and with sister Vicky still chasing Rio selection, it is the familiarity and shared bond that clarifies Liz’s view that this set back will not define her.
“I would go through another 10 accidents like this if it meant that I’d get my dream at the end of the day. It’s just all part of my story.”
She is now embracing the idea of supporting her sister and fellow training partner Nina Kennedy as they chase their ticket to Rio.
“I’d love to see Vicky get there, I’d love to see both of them get there and I’m going to do all that I can to support them as well,” she said.
In the meantime, Vicky has been there for Liz, although as she jokes, it’s to the extent that a sister is willing.
“Vicky’s been good, she’s at home but she’s kind of hesitant to help me. She doesn’t want to wash me in the shower or anything like that,” she laughed before adding, “She comes into my room and sits with me and we just chat and just be silly together.”
Parnov is considering resuming her Media-Communications studies, which were put on hold for Rio and is confident that she will keep herself busy during her rehab but whatever difficulties and setbacks lie in wait, she knows that pole vault is still her world.
“It’s definitely going to build me as a person and my character and make me more resilient.
“It sucks, but it happens to everyone so I can’t just say ‘Why me, why me?’
“It’s my passion and my hobby, but I also feel like it’s become my dream job.”
With that in mind, even dream jobs take vacation. Bring on Tokyo 2020.