Abi Burton
From Olympian to Encephalitis to Olympian again!
Introduction
Encephalitis International is thrilled to hear one of our Ambassadors, Abi Burton, is set to join this year’s Olympics in Paris! But the journey to get here was far from an easy one.
Born for greatness
Abi Burton’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. Born into a family steeped in rugby tradition, with her father Danny having played for Bradford Bulls and her brothers in the Leeds Rhinos academy, Abi’s path to rugby stardom was almost predestined.
Beginning as a swimmer, Burton found her true calling in rugby. She quickly rose through the ranks at Hartpury College, captaining England in the Kharkiv Sevens as a teenager in 2019. Her athletic prowess culminated in a fourth-place finish with Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Abi made her mark by scoring in a decisive 31-0 victory over Kenya.
Misdiagnosed and sectioned
However, Burton’s life took an unexpected turn in June 2022 when she experienced her first seizure. Initially misdiagnosed, she was eventually sectioned before receiving the correct diagnosis of autoimmune NMDA receptor encephalitis in July 2022.
This rare condition led to a harrowing three-and-a-half-week stay in intensive care, where she was placed in a medically induced coma.
Encephalitis International and Paris 2024
Since her discharge in September 2022, Burton has channelled her energy into raising awareness about encephalitis. As an ambassador for Encephalitis International, she is committed to educating others about this little-understood condition.
In a surprising turn of events, Abi Burton’s Olympic journey is set to continue. The British Olympic Association recently announced that Abi will replace Amy Wilson Hardy in the Paris 2024 rugby sevens placement matches. This adds another remarkable chapter to Burton’s already inspiring story.
A true inspiration
Abi’s involvement in Paris 2024 not only highlights her athletic prowess but is a testament to a recovery journey. Abi Burton’s story is one of triumph over adversity, showcasing her strength not only on the rugby field but also in facing personal health challenges.
From Olympic athlete to a champion for encephalitis awareness, Burton continues to inspire and make a difference in multiple arenas of life.
We wish Abi all the best in this year’s Olympics!
For more information on Abi’s story, please click here (external link).