You’ve probably heard by now Samantha Briggs recently suffered an elbow injury, which forced her to withdraw her invitation to Regionals. But this is Sam Briggs we’re talking about. So, she did the only thing Sam Briggs would do, sucked it up, and did the age group qualifiers (with a busted elbow), which means we’ll see her competing alongside the rest of the masters. Epic. She explained more in a recent Instagram post.

So unfortunately I have had to withdraw my invitation for the @crossfitgames European regionals ••• Last Monday my right elbow gave way fracturing the joint and rupturing the medial ligament ••• I was very fortunate to have an amazing team around me and I’ve just come out of surgery … they got me in within the week to ensure I’m back in action ASAP ••• Not wanting my season to be over I managed to strap the elbow up and complete the age group qualifiers so now the goal is get fit for August ?? ••• I’ll still be in Berlin cheering on my @jamesjowseytraining team mate (and my current nurse) @mcquaid175 who’s gonna be flying the Union Jack ?? so make sure to say hi ••• #nowofficiallyamaster #brokenelbow #downbutnotout #crossfit #crossfitgames #ryourogue #reebokathlete #teamPRGNX #kickthetree

A post shared by Samantha Briggs (@bicepslikebriggs) on Apr 23, 2018 at 12:26pm PDT

Quitting is not an option.

With an elbow injury, you know what that means: every day is leg day. Since her injury and subsequent surgery, Briggs has made the necessary adjustments to accommodate her recovery without sacrificing her time in the gym. One day was the bike plus sled drags.

Felt good to move today ????? 5 rounds in weight vest 5km bike 500m sled drag Just because you’ve got an injury doesn’t mean you can’t exercise! Moving after surgery promotes blood flow and aids recovery. Just got to be careful in the first few weeks not to get the wounds infected and not over do it as your body is working extra hard healing the injury ?? #roadtorecovery #masters35 #crossfit #crossfitgames #reebokathlete #ryourogue #teamPRGNX #kickthetree

A post shared by Samantha Briggs (@bicepslikebriggs) on Apr 26, 2018 at 11:41am PDT

Another day was GHD sit-ups and pistol squats.

When you don’t focus on what you can’t do you’ll see all the things you can ?? 5-10-15-20-25-25-20-15-10-5 GHDs Alternating pistol squats #roadtorecovery #masters35 #crossfit #crossfitgames #ryourogue #teamPRGNX #reebokathlete #kickthetree

A post shared by Samantha Briggs (@bicepslikebriggs) on Apr 27, 2018 at 12:32pm PDT

Yet another day brought air squats, lunges, and jumping.

Today’s legs only training consisted of bike intervals followed by 5 rds 12 weighted lunges 20 air squat knee raises 10 depth jumps #buildinglegs #roadtorecovery #crossfit #crossfitgames #ryourogue #teamPRGNX #reebokathlete #kickthetree

A post shared by Samantha Briggs (@bicepslikebriggs) on Apr 28, 2018 at 11:36am PDT

And running. Probably plenty of running.

I had company on today’s legs only bonanza ? 1 mile run 50 GHD sit ups 50 Box jump step downs 50 back extensions 100 cal AA bike legs only 50 back extensions 50 Box jump up step downs 50 GHD sit ups 1 mile run ????????????? Then of course we finished with a flex off ?? at least I still have one functioning bicep! #legsfordays #crossfit #crossfitgames #masters35 #roadtorecovery #ryourogue #reebokathlete #teamPRGNX #kickthetree

A post shared by Samantha Briggs (@bicepslikebriggs) on May 1, 2018 at 11:53am PDT

So many athletes think it’s heroic to train and struggle through injury, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about having the courage and discipline to know when it’s in your best interest to pull back in one area while you heal, and focus on something else. Exercising a part of your body that is compromised and needs recovery will only lead to a more serious injury and longer time to fully recuperate.

It’s not just Briggs‘ commitment we love, but also her strategy. Train hard, train smart.

Main image: Samantha Briggs/Instagram