Jessica Warner-Judd Opens Up on Trauma Therapy and Depression Ahead of London Marathon
British long‑distance runner Jessica Warner‑Judd is set to line up in the elite field of the London Marathon, but the race follows a harrowing episode at the 2024 European Championships where a focal seizure forced her off the track. In a candid interview she details the trauma therapy, depression and lifestyle changes that have shaped her road back to elite competition.
From Seizure on the Track to Marathon Ambitions
During the 10,000m final in Rome, Warner‑Judd collapsed with 600 m to go after a focal seizure, was sedated and taken off the course. The incident triggered a cascade of mental‑health challenges: a diagnosis of depression, a later autism diagnosis, and a lingering subconscious trauma response that made her brain “protective” against racing.
She underwent intensive trauma therapy that required reliving the seizure experience without actually having one, and began medication that has kept her seizure‑free. The psychological work, combined with a strict regimen—cutting out chocolate, junk food, alcohol and prioritising sleep—has been central to her return.
- Age: 31
- Previous ranking: 3rd fastest British woman over 10,000 m (behind Eilish McColgan and Paula Radcliffe)
- Academic background: PhD in regenerative medicine from Loughborough University
Numbers Behind the Comeback: Race Times and Economic Stakes
Warner‑Judd’s marathon debut in New York (November 2025) produced a time of 2 hrs 24 mins 45 secs on a challenging course, signalling elite potential. Her participation in the London Marathon also ties into a broader economic narrative: organisers project a two‑day event could generate £400 million for the UK economy.
- 10,000 m personal best: remains among the top three British performances
- London Marathon elite field: 2026 edition, scheduled for Sunday, 23 April 2026
What Warner‑Judd’s Story Signals for Athlete Mental Health
The athlete’s openness highlights a growing recognition that elite sport demands mental‑health support equal to physical training. Her experience underscores three key lessons for the sporting community:
- Trauma therapy can be essential for athletes recovering from acute medical events.
- Integrated care—combining neurology, psychiatry and nutrition—helps prevent relapse.
- Public disclosure by high‑profile athletes reduces stigma and encourages peers to seek help.
Her part‑time role at Booth’s deli in Clitheroe also illustrates the importance of grounding routines outside sport, providing social connection and a sense of normalcy.
Looking Ahead: London Marathon and Olympic Prospects
With the London Marathon as a benchmark, Warner‑Judd aims to fine‑tune her pacing and test her resilience ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. If she can replicate or improve upon her New York performance, she could secure a spot on the British Olympic marathon team.
Beyond personal goals, her journey may inspire policy shifts—such as mandatory mental‑health screenings for elite athletes and increased funding for post‑injury psychological care.