Kennedy enjoying ‘finally feeling back to normal’ in battle with debilitating condition

England’s Georgina Kennedy has revealed that she is “finally feeling back to normal” after changing medications in an attempt to combat her debilitating ulcerative colitis.

Kennedy spoke to BBC earlier this year about the life-altering condition, which often leaves her housebound for extended periods of time and significantly affects both her training and her personal life.

Speaking today from Cairo after overcoming English compatriot Lucy Turmel 3-1 in the third round of the 2024 CIB Egyptian Open, Kennedy explained that a change of medication was finally providing a sense of normalcy after a brutal struggle with the condition.

“Fortunately I’ve been put on new meds, as of two weeks ago,” she said.

“So during British Nationals I started on new medication and I’m finally feeling back to normal. Over summer, I couldn’t even leave the house. It’s so debilitating and obviously for squash, it makes a difference. But also for general life, I couldn’t even walk. My friends would ask me for a coffee and I couldn’t go.

“I’m really grateful to feel like myself again.”

The English No.1 and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner added that beginning to feel healthy again was giving her a new appreciation for being back on the PSA Squash Tour.

“We take health for granted so much and now that I’m feeling healthy again, everything is [positive again],” she said.

“I can share a room again, Tinne [Gilis] and I are sharing [during the Egyptian Open]. Lucy knows what I’ve been going through this summer. I’ve been training still but when you know each other’s ins and outs it’s hard mentally. But I’m very grateful to win.”

After defeating Turmel 3-1, Kennedy goes up against the winner of today’s clash between her England teammate Jasmine Hutton and Egyptian World No.3 Hania El Hammamy.

The 2024 CIB Egyptian Open is taking place from 30 August – 6 September at Club O West, Cairo. Watch all the action live on SQUASHTV. For more information on the CIB Egyptian Open 2024, follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.