It could have been worse: Damian Warner begins comeback after hamstring injury at worlds

Less than two weeks after a hamstring injury during the 400-metre event at the World Athletics Championships forced Canadian decathlete Damian Warner out of competition, the 32-year-old is already planning his comeback. 

In an interview with CBC Sports, Warner's coach Gar Leyshon says his star athlete and the team are already mapping out a strategy for the world championships next summer and then the path to the Paris Olympics. 

"He's pissed off. So frustrated. And motivated," Leyshon said. "We're already planning what we're going to do next year."

Warner is going to be out for about six-to-eight weeks with a hamstring strain, says Leyshon. It could have been much worse. 

"This is a strain, not a tear. What it means is that he strained the muscles. There's micro-tearing and whatever. There's some swelling. But there's no tear. No big tear," Leyshon said. 

"Basically it's as good as it could be, all things considered."

Warner is back home in London, Ont., with his partner Jen Cotten and young son Theo after they all had to spend a week in Portland isolating and recovering from COVID-19 in the wake of injury. 

The plan now is to take it easy over the next couple of months. 

"Basic general stuff. Rehab starts today," Leyshon said. "General movement stuff. Play some basketball and play catch."

WATCH | Damian Warner suffers injury:

While the focus now is moving forward and putting the disappointment of the injury behind them, Leyshon can't help but watch the tape of the race over and over. 

Warner was in first place after four events on the opening day of competition at worlds in Eugene, Ore. All he needed was a solid finish to the day in the 400m and he would have been leading heading into the second day of the decathlon. 

L