Nick Griggs discusses his transition from a simple running injury to a significant medical health issue.
Nick Griggs Overcomes Osteomyelitis to Win Silver at European Under-23 Championships
Nick Griggs, the promising Irish professional runner, faced a significant setback in his career when he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a bone infection, in January 2025. The infection occurred during the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, Turkey, and forced Griggs to take a break from running for nearly three months.
Griggs' career had started on a high note, with notable achievements as a teenager, including setting a European Under-20 record for the indoor mile with a time of 3:56.40 in 2022. However, the osteomyelitis diagnosis threatened to derail his progress.
The infection, if left untreated, can result in permanent bone or joint damage, with amputation necessary in a worst-case scenario. But Griggs was fortunate to receive relatively early intervention, which spared him from amputation. The infection did not spread beyond his kneecap, and he was able to focus on recovery.
During his recovery, Griggs went for five weeks of altitude training in Font-Romeu in the French Pyrenees. He spent two weeks in Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast for treatment of his osteomyelitis. Despite the challenging circumstances, Griggs remained determined to return to racing.
After almost seven months, Griggs was back on the track. In July 2025, he won the European Under-20 3,000m gold medal, setting the stage for his return to international competition. By mid-2025, Griggs was leading Irish medal hopes in major events such as the European Under-23 Championships in the 5000m race.
Griggs' resilience was evident when he finished a close second in the Under-23 race, despite his recent injury. His hard work paid off when he recently won the silver medal at the European Under-23 Championships in the 5,000m.
Griggs' determination to return to racing was fueled by the memory of his brother Josh, who was killed in a work-related accident in Banbridge, Co Down, at the age of 19. After Josh's death, Nick found motivation to honor his brother by making the most of his running. Two weeks after Josh's funeral, Griggs won the Irish Under-20 3,000m title.
In conclusion, Nick Griggs has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. From setting European records as a teenager to overcoming a serious medical challenge with osteomyelitis, Griggs has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional running. His determination to honor his brother's memory and his commitment to recovery have propelled him to continued success at elite international events.
- Nick Griggs' commitment to mental health and wellness, alongside his fitness and exercise regimes during his recovery from osteomyelitis, played a significant role in his resilience and success in sports, particularly in the field of running.
- Griggs' journey through the world of health-and-wellness significantly impacted his performance in football, as he managed to return to the sports scene, winning a silver medal at the European Under-23 Championships in the 5,000m event after overcoming a serious bone infection.
- Griggs' achievements in science, specifically sports medicine, offer valuable insights for researchers and athletes worldwide, as his story highlights the importance of early intervention and mental fortitude in overcoming injuries and setting records in competitive sports like running.
