Lina Nielsen

That Lina Nielsen even took to the start line at Birmingham 2022 was a sign of her unending strength and determination.

Nielsen arrived in Birmingham fresh from competing at the World Championships in Eugene, where her efforts had been hampered by a relapse of her multiple sclerosis condition.

But nothing was going to stop Nielsen competing in front of a home crowd at Birmingham 2022, with the East London athlete going public with her condition just before the Games. 

“You know the whole point of sport is going out and giving it your best shot," she said. "I went out and gave it my best shot, so I’ve got what I want from my Commonwealth Games.”

Nielsen's twin sister Laviai is also a 400m runner but missed Birmingham 2022 through injury.

Away from the track, Nielsen graduated with a degree in chemistry from Queen Mary University of London.