Lucy Bronze's mother has revealed her daughter's sport sciences studies helped her to win the Euros despite playing with a broken leg. Diane Bronze disclosed that the England defender competed throughout the tournament with a fractured tibia, using her academic knowledge to manage the injury.
Speaking to BBC Woman's Hour from Switzerland, the proud mother explained how Bronze's educational background proved crucial during the championship. "She did a sports science degree. She reads research papers and she knows about injuries," Ms Bronze said.
Academic knowledge proves vital
"That's how she can keep going. That's why she knew how to tape her own leg," she added. The fracture occurred in June, but Bronze's high pain threshold allowed her to continue playing at the highest level throughout England's victorious campaign.
Ms Bronze revealed that many people within the England setup knew about the injury from the start. "We knew all the way through," she said, explaining that medics had checked the injury and "knew what they were doing".
Secret kept throughout tournament
Initially, some questioned whether the injury could be a genuine fracture. "Originally somebody said, 'Well, it can't be a fracture, because you wouldn't be able to stand up'," Ms Bronze recalled.
However, Bronze's response demonstrated her remarkable resilience. "But she said, 'I've got high pain threshold, and I can deal with pain'," her mother explained.
Chelsea aware of situation
The remarkable aspect was how the information remained confidential during the tournament. "The amazing thing is that the medical team all knew about it, we knew about it, I think a lot of the girls knew, and not a whisper got out," Ms Bronze said.
Bronze's club Chelsea were also aware of the situation throughout the Euros campaign. When asked about her feelings regarding her daughter playing with a fracture, Ms Bronze laughed: "It doesn't matter how I feel, it's what she's going to do."
Name reflects fighting spirit
The conversation also revealed the origin of Bronze's middle name "Tough". Ms Bronze explained that her maiden name was Tough, and following Portuguese tradition after marriage, she kept it alongside her husband's surname.
"I'm Diane Tough Bronze. When you get married in Portugal, you just add your husband's name. You keep your own and add his, so all of my children are Tough Bronzes," she said.
Future playing plans
Looking ahead, Ms Bronze believes her daughter will continue playing once she recovers from the tournament. She referenced England manager Sarina Wiegman's assessment of Bronze's determination.
"I think Sarina had it right. She's going to have to get her off the pitch in a wheelchair," Ms Bronze concluded.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
