Dan Jones, a 36-year-old dad from Cheshire, suffered a devastating injury during a Strongman competition in Southport, U.K. Just meters from the finish line while carrying an 80kg weight, both of Jones’ patellar tendons suddenly ruptured, causing his kneecaps to shoot up into his thighs.

“It felt like I was on fire,” he said. “My kneecaps were in my quads because my tendons ruptured.” He was rushed to Leighton Hospital, where he underwent a five-hour surgery to fuse the tendons and rebuild internal knee braces.

Doctors called the double rupture “very rare,” and Jones admitted, “There were no warning signs. It was just a freak accident.” He now faces a long road to recovery, relearning how to walk and undergoing daily physiotherapy.

Despite being told he may never compete again, Jones remains hopeful. “I’m not going to give up. My biggest goal is to chase my daughter around again.” He’s sharing his journey on TikTok, using small milestones—like standing—to stay motivated.