Rio Heartbreak for Hockeyroo Ashleigh Nelson

Western Australian hockey star Ashleigh Nelson has had her Rio 2016 Olympic hopes ended after suffering a tear to her ACL and damage to her meniscus in training on Wednesday.

The London Olympian and dual Commonwealth champion had been a virtual ever-present in the national fold over the past four years, making the timing of the injury, all the more bitter for the Wagin born athlete.

The 29 year-old broke the news to fans via twitter, stating “Sadly have torn my ACL and not able to complete my Olympic dream with Hockeyroos. Life goes on thanks for the support.” Accompanied by a picture quote that read: Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens summed up the mood within the Australian camp in a comment published via the Hockey Australia website that read: “It’s obviously devastating for Ash to have such a major injury this close to the Rio Olympic Games. She’s part of our leadership group, and an experienced player with over 200 internationals and to have a player of that calibre missing from our Olympic group is a significant loss.”

Nelson played her 205th and most recent test cap for Australia earlier this month in New Zealand, as the Hockeyroos claimed a bronze medal at the Hawke’s Bay Cup.

She is due for further MRI scans to learn the full extent of damage, which she will undergo and assess with team medical staff before making any further comment.

The Hockeyroo is also a passionate ambassador for the mental health awareness group RUOK? Along with teammate Rachael Lynch.