Elizabeth Hanaray, who has just completed a Commerce degree, recently finished fourth at the FISAF International Sport Aerobics & Fitness World Championships in Prague. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
After overcoming severe injuries that left her wondering if she would ever compete again, a sport aerobics athlete has finished fourth at the world championships.
Elizabeth Hanaray (21) is thrilled with her result after competing at the three-day FISAF International Sport Aerobics & Fitness World Championships in Prague earlier this month.
“I am so insanely happy that I got fourth,” she says.
“It’s just the most incredible result and such a dream experience. I can’t believe it, honestly – I’m still in shock.”
Her goal was to be one of the top 12 athletes to make the semi-finals on day two.
“I managed to hold the place in the semis and then just had an absolute blast in the finals,” she says.
“I was so, so proud to represent New Zealand on that stage and stand next to athletes I’ve admired for so long.
“It was just a surreal experience.”
Not that long ago competing seemed out of reach – let alone representing New Zealand at the world championship.
Elizabeth has been competing in aerobics since she was 12, but years-long injuries left her sidelined.
“I originally injured my shoulder playing badminton in 2019 but never gave myself time to let it heal properly,” she says.
“Over time it got worse and worse, developing into severe nerve pain down my arm and back. It got so bad I couldn’t sit and read a book without it being really uncomfortable.
“At the same time, I had chronic lower back pain from ballet.”
She qualified for the New Zealand team in 2022 – despite still suffering from shoulder pain – but had to withdraw after injuring her back.
After seeing medical professionals who recommended intense surgeries, she finally saw a sports medicine specialist who gave her answers.
“He discovered that all my nerve pain was coming from an imbalance of muscle development across my upper back and issues with movement patterns,” she says.
“I can still distinctly remember that first appointment with him. He stuck a needle in one tiny muscle in my shoulder and the pain just disappeared.”
The pain is now much more tolerable long-term, thanks also to her work with physio Patrick Mayne at Physio Performance Dunedin, who created a programme that helped her become comfortable using her shoulder again and corrected her back issues.
Elizabeth later teamed up with a new coach in Christchurch, Debbie Norton, who helped her get stronger than ever.
“It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point: hours and hours of physio exercises and visits every week fixing injuries old and new.
“I was training 11 times a week to rebuild everything. I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made in such a short time.”
All that rehabilitation paid off when she stepped back on stage for the first time at the FISAF Pacific Open in June this year, where she finished third overall and was the top Kiwi in her division.
“The week leading up to that competition was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions – being so, so proud of the work I’d done and also just being absolutely terrified.”
She entered the competition with the goal of making the New Zealand team for the world championships. Finishing third was a bonus, she says.
“Hearing my name called for the team was so special. All the hard work and hours in the gym were worth it. It was just the best feeling ever!”
Elizabeth’s achievements and dedication recently won her a Blue Award for sporting excellence at the annual Blues and Golds Awards.
“It’s just so crazy for me to remember that this time last year I couldn’t do a push up and I was teaching myself to jump again.
“It’s been such a journey of relearning to trust my body.”
Kōrero by Media Engagement Adviser Jessica Wilson
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