'Not OK yet': Aussie Olympian's brutal interview after injury

Australian steeplechase competitor after rupturing her achilles in the final at the Tokyo Olympics earlier this week.

Gregson's is one of the most heartbreaking stories from the Tokyo Olympics, having suffered her injury in the absolute dying stages of her gruelling event.

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The 32-year-old fell on the final water obstacle of the 3000m event, needing to be taken from the Olympic Stadium in a wheelchair before the extent of her injury was confirmed a short time later.

Her left achilles had been troubling her dating back to the 2016 Rio Olympics, but it was right leg that failed her so close to the end in Tokyo, leaving her facing a daunting recovery.

Having spent so long compensating to her right, she simply said 'something had to give'.

Speaking to Channel 7 on Friday night, Gregson said the emotions were still buzzing days afterwards.

“It’s raw, it’s hard. I’m not okay yet but I will be,” she said.

“I haven’t spoken to many people so that’s why I’m a bit vulnerable right now but I’ll be happy soon. Just getting through it.”

Despite the heartbreak of Tokyo and the gruelling recovery ahead of her, Gregson said her next move would likely be to rehabilitate both of her injured legs, acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead of her.

“It’s looking like I’m not just going to get one Achilles fixed I’m going to try and go for both which means the next year ahead of me is pretty brutal,” she said.

“I’ll be wheelchair-bound for a while but (husband) Ryan is on his way home and I’ll meet him in Singapore and we’ll work out a plan from there and it will be a good one because we’re a good team and I wouldn’t have come this far without him."

As for her future competitive hopes, Gregson said there would be no stopping her once healthy.

“I’m just ready to find a plan for the next year or so because I don’t feel like I’m done yet. I love the roads," she said.

"I think I’ve got a lot to give in the marathon or just in road running in general and I’m such a proud Australian athlete.

"I just couldn’t imagine a setback like this tearing me away from the sport. I don’t see it that way.”

Genevieve Gregson's Tokyo Olympics end in heartbreaking fashion

Fans were keen to hear from Gregson after her injury, which, in a cruel twist of fate, she happened to suffer on her birthday.

However with the emotion of her situation plain to see, some were concerned about whether it was worth doing the interview at all.

Others though, praised Gregson for her bravery and willingness to discuss her situation.

Gregson had earlier taken to Instagram on Wednesday night to give fans an update after news of her injury broke.

"I'm heartbroken & don't have the words right now to respond to you all but in short - ruptured Achilles on the last water jump," Gregson wrote.

"Happy Birthday me! Thank you for all the support & lovely messages. I'll try to respond in time.

"For now I need to mend my heart, soul & Achilles."

One of the most popular and well-known members of the Australian track and field team, Gregson was competing at her third Olympics.

Peruth Chemutai from Uganda won the steeplechase gold medal in nine minutes 01.45 seconds.

With AAP

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