Lucy Bronze, the renowned footballer, has undergone a significant transformation in her career through a recent eye surgery aimed at enhancing her vision. The procedure involved implanting a Collamer (collagen co-polymer) lens by EVO between her iris and natural crystalline lens. This innovative surgery marks a critical step in Bronze's journey, allowing her to overcome persistent contact lens issues that have plagued her throughout her career. During a game in Australia, she experienced severe discomfort with itchy and watery eyes, highlighting the extent of her struggle. However, this successful procedure during the winter break has paved the way for improved performance on the field.
Bronze's commitment to her eye care has intensified over the last year or two, reflecting a broader evolution in her approach to the game. She acknowledges that she relies less on her physical attributes now and has diversified her playing style by taking on various positions on the field. This shift demonstrates her willingness to adapt and stay at the pinnacle of her career. Beyond eye care, she has also embraced recovery techniques, such as installing ice baths in her homes, to enhance her performance and longevity in the sport.
"When I picked up an injury recently, I managed to stop myself. Thankfully, the injury only turned out to be seven days, whereas if I had pushed myself, it could have been seven weeks. That is probably the biggest change and it all comes with experience."
Throughout her career, Bronze has grappled with eye issues that affected her performance. She often found herself in challenging situations, such as losing a contact lens during a game after a header. The incident turned into a folk tale among her teammates. These experiences underscore the importance of her recent surgery in removing a significant obstacle from her path. Now, with improved vision, she is more careful about her eye care and recovery techniques.
"Reflections, things like that. There was an example years ago when I was playing for Liverpool away at Bristol that became a bit of a folk tale. After I had my surgery, Gemma Bonner, the captain at the time, was like, 'No more contact lenses falling out in games'."
Bronze's dedication to maintaining her fitness and performance mirrors the commitment seen in fellow athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Thiago Silva. She admires their dedication to their bodies and strives to emulate their longevity in sports. For Bronze, understanding the importance of mental acuity and vision on the field has become paramount, shifting her focus from purely physical attributes to a more holistic approach.
"I always appreciated that side of the game but never thought I could make it something I was really good at until towards the end of my career. I realised I needed to work on it because you are more likely to lose your physical attributes than your brain."
Adapting to these changes has required Bronze to reassess her approach to training and recovery. She acknowledges that overtraining in her younger years often led to injuries and prolonged recovery periods. Now, she is learning to pace herself better and listen to her body's signals. This newfound wisdom stems from years of experience and is crucial for sustaining her career at the highest level.
"Maybe I overtrained when I was younger. You could never stop me. That is the only reason I picked up injuries in the past. I ended up being out longer than I should have because I would not stop and would not listen to my body telling me to slow down."
The installation of ice baths in her homes is another testament to Bronze's commitment to recovery. Recognizing that recovery is now a pivotal aspect of her game, she is taking every possible measure to ensure she remains at her best. Her willingness to embrace new methods and invest in her well-being showcases a mature approach to maintaining peak performance.
"I am pushing myself to improve in as many ways as possible. Where I am at with my game, I think recovery is now the biggest thing," she explains.
Bronze's journey reflects a broader shift within football towards valuing mental acuity alongside physical prowess. She understands that vision and perception are crucial components of success on the field. This perspective aligns with current trends in football, where players are increasingly recognized for their ability to read the game and anticipate plays.
"It is kind of a shift in football at the minute. Everyone used to think of physical attributes as the key to everything. But actually it is your brain, your vision, how you see the game quickly, see every angle, that is more important than physical output."
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