Molly Caudery Ruled Out for Season After Spinal Surgery, Misses 2026 Commonwealth Games
British pole vault record holder Molly Caudery has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season following emergency spinal surgery, according to a statement from the British Athletics federation. The 26-year-old world indoor champion underwent a microdiscectomy to address a severe back flare-up, which will prevent her from competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Championships in Birmingham, as reported by BBC Sport.
What Caused Caudery’s Surgery and Recovery Timeline?
Caudery required the procedure after experiencing a sudden worsening of lower back pain last week, which necessitated immediate surgical intervention to avoid further damage, she explained in a social media post. “The surgery was a success and my road to recovery starts today,” she wrote, adding, “Emergency spinal surgery wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card.” A microdiscectomy, as defined by the NHS, involves removing part of a herniated spinal disc to relieve pressure on nerves. While exact recovery timelines vary, athletes typically require several months of rehabilitation before returning to competition.
How Has Caudery Performed This Season?
Despite the setback, Caudery achieved a season’s best height of 4.80 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Rome last week, securing a victory that highlighted her resurgence after previous injuries. However, her ambitions for the 2026 season face a significant hurdle. “Really thought 2026 was going to be my year after heartbreak in Paris and Tokyo and everything in between,” she wrote, referencing her failure to clear her opening height at the 2024 Paris Olympics and her absence from the 2023 World Championships in Budapest due to an ankle injury, as noted by The Guardian.
What Are the Implications for Her Career?
Caudery’s absence from the 2026 Commonwealth Games and European Championships creates opportunities for competitors like fellow British vaulters Georgia Bell and Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who have already secured spots in those events. Her previous performances, including a Commonwealth silver in 2022 and European bronze in 2024, position her as a key figure in UK athletics, but her recovery will determine whether she can reclaim her form in time for the 2028 Olympics. “This is a setback, but I’m focused on getting back stronger,” she said in a team statement.
Why Does This Matter for British Athletics?
The loss of Caudery, who holds the British record of 4.85 meters, underscores the challenges athletes face in balancing elite performance with injury management. Her situation mirrors that of sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, who has also dealt with recurring injuries in recent years. For British Athletics, her recovery will be a critical test of their support systems, as they aim to maintain competitiveness on the global stage. “We’re confident in Molly’s resilience and will support her every step of the way,” a federation spokesperson said.
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