When athlete Jade Johnson agreed to take part in Strictly Come Dancing three years ago, she had no idea that in doing so, her dream of competing in this year’s Olympics would be over…

But that’s exactly what’s happened because a knee injury that Jade sustained while appearing on Strictly has ruled her out of selection for the Olympic long jump team.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror about the heartache of her shattered dreams, Jade – who suffered ligament damage – said, “Strictly has cost me my place in the Olympics.

“I thought the show injury had healed and I was ready to compete. Sadly it flared up just before the trials and made it impossible to get through them.”

Jade, who’s a European Championship silver medallist, added, “London 2012 was my dream. The last two Olympics, I came sixth and seventh…

“But this time I thought, ‘I am going to be 32, the perfect prime for a long-jumper. I have the experience and it’s at home.’

“I really thought I had a great chance of doing well.”

But last month’s trials in Birmingham showed up the weakness in her knee.

She explained, “When I went to jump, I just couldn’t get off the board. The pain was indescribable.

“Me and my physio just looked at each other and started crying. We knew what it meant.

“The pain was excruciating, I never thought it would come back all these years later.

“I’ve been doing athletics for 25 years, training for the Olympics for two years. I hadn’t competed recently because of a back injury and adrenalin fatigue.

“So the fact my knee hadn’t healed completely only came to light when I pushed myself harder.

“I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t speak to anyone for two weeks – I couldn’t face it.”

However, brave Jade says she doesn’t regret being on Strictly. She said, “Strictly took me out of my comfort zone and taught me what I was capable of.

“When I am 80 I will look back on turning from a girl to a woman on Strictly. I loved the clothes and make-up.”

And finally, Jade revealed that she’s commentating on the women’s athletics in the Olympics and said, “It will be bitter-sweet but I’ve been so much a part of the build-up I’d be heartbroken not to be involved.”