“You won’t run for the next six months, and racing again might take a year,” British track and field champion Callum Elson was said a year ago. During the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, March 2024, Callum started well in the 1500 m. Everything was going smoothly until around 700 m. He noticed blood oozing out of his shoes. He collapsed on the ground, and agony was written all over his face. It was an Achilles injury!

It was their to derail his entire career, but he did not bow down. He went down the grueling path of surgery, rehab, and patience. And it paid off! Elson is back on the track, taking things slow. Yes, you heard it right. The long-distance runner is back after three years and too with a bang! Today he competed in the 3000m indoor PB at the UK Indoor Championships. And he clocked a whopping time of 7:52.08.

This was not his first but the third race in 2025, but this is the first time he spoke about his comeback this season. When asked how he dealt with last year’s injury in an interview with Athletics Weekly post the race, he came up with an honest answer. “…….It’s my third race back in 12 months since an unfortunate accident, and I’m still getting my confidence back on the track anyway, so, yeah, I feel like that’s a good enough time for me to stop banging on about being injured now……”

The World Road Running Championships silver medallist has taken part in three track and field events this year, competing in the Ayo Falola Dream Mile on 12th February, then two days later in Meeting Indoor de Lyon, and the latest one, which was a 3000m long-distance race. Elson isn’t just focused on competing, but his priority also includes healing properly.

He acknowledges the differences between his injury and others, explaining, “It’s a mix. Like, look, there’s people that have recurring bone injuries where they might be back up for six weeks, but if that happens five times in their career, they end up with a sore arm. Luckily for me, it was an accidental thing. I still have healthy tissue. We just have to sort that together.”

While his primary goal remains recovery, Elson still managed to set a new personal best in the 3000m, finishing in 7:52.08—nearly ten seconds faster than his previous best of 8:02.54 from 2022. Though he placed sixth in the race, it was a clear sign of progress. And Elson’s coach, Nick Aguilas, has a crucial role in ensuring that his training remains balanced between ambition and caution. Together, he and Aguilas are focused on long-term progression rather than immediate results.

For Elson, the journey back to peak performance is still ongoing. The injury may have stolen a year of competition, but it hasn’t taken away his drive. With a clear mindset, a supportive coaching team, and growing confidence in his abilities, Elson is proving that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks. As he continues to heal and push his limits, the track world will be watching—and waiting—for what’s next in his story.

But what exactly went down in the meet today?

Callum Elson shows progress in Indoor Track and field, But there is still more to do

Though Elson’s personal best in the 3000m was a major milestone, it was still not enough to reach the podium. The top three finishers clocked in at significantly faster times, showcasing the gap he still needs to close in indoor track and field. George Mills clocked 7:40.16 to secure gold. While James West finished with the timing of 7:40.33 to secure silver. Both the men went well under their previous record and booked their places at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, which is scheduled for the next month.

While sixth place was a strong achievement, Elson knows there’s more work ahead to compete with the best. His perseverance and steady improvement suggest that he’s on the right path, but the journey to full competitiveness remains ongoing. Elson’s official return to racing began at the Mansfield National Cross-Country Relays on November 4, 2024. This event marked his first test post-injury, and though his specific times weren’t noted, his presence spoke volumes.

Starting his leg in fifth place, he had to push through the field to help secure a medal for his team, Cambridge and Coleridge. His efforts paid off, earning a national bronze—a testament to his determination and fighting spirit. His comeback is a work in progress, and as he continues to push himself, the track world will be watching his next steps.