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Just racing again is achievement enough!
- By David Heatley
- Published 14-Apr-09
- Readers Stories
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David Heatley
David Heatley has
medalled at national and regional cycling events in
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Got this truly inspiring story from Frank in Brisbane... All the best in your racing endeavours Frank. Great to hear that you are back on the bike again.
From Frank Papp
Hi David
I find your Newsletters fantastic - your tips, products and ideas have greatly improved my cycling skills and strength, not to mention my attitude. This comes after years of struggling to get myself back after a major cycling accident a few years ago.
My story is as follows:
Whilst racing in a corporate criterium event in Brisbane a few years ago, I managed to end up on the dark side of a bunch sprint finish. My front wheel was clipped by a rider in front of me, which sent me head-on into a concrete barrier at full speed (50+ km/h). The next thing I remember was waking out of a coma a week later.
I sustained:
- Head Injuries
- Facial fractures requiring screws/plates
- Broken Jaw (screwed and plated)
- Smashed teeth (still getting crowns fitted!)
- Compound Fracture of the right elbow
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lung
- Ruptured Kidney
- Lacerated Liver
- Badly broken Right femur (attached pictures)
- Smashed Right foot
- Broken Fingers
The break!
The rebuild!
It took 14 units of blood to resuscitate me, and nearly died again after sustaining major blood clots. Within 6 months I was on a bike, gingerly finding my way. I had the pins removed from my leg that instantly improved my confidence.
I then battled for a few years with ongoing treatments and illness. My left/right leg strength balance has been an issue due heavy muscle wastage/damage. I started riding slower, longer distances, building up to "Around the Bay in a Day" I never really gained the confidence or strength to race, but was keen to have another go.
Then I come across Matt Brindle's Power-Up DVD on your website. My strength dramatically improved and have got back into some club racing.
I'm now 38 years old, and racing in Masters B, but in my mind, just racing again is achievement enough. As part of my ongoing recovery, I've now found out that I require surgery to my hip.
People and family have told me to just give the cycling away, but I know that will never happen. This surgery should help alleviate some ongoing pain which will get me back even stronger than before.
Who knows, I may even end up in Masters A!!
As bad as my injuries have been, I know there are others out there who have sustained worse and recovered. I take my hat off to them. I hope my story inspires others to just give it a go. You only get one chance in life, or in my case, two!
From Frank Papp
Hi David
I find your Newsletters fantastic - your tips, products and ideas have greatly improved my cycling skills and strength, not to mention my attitude. This comes after years of struggling to get myself back after a major cycling accident a few years ago.
My story is as follows:
Whilst racing in a corporate criterium event in Brisbane a few years ago, I managed to end up on the dark side of a bunch sprint finish. My front wheel was clipped by a rider in front of me, which sent me head-on into a concrete barrier at full speed (50+ km/h). The next thing I remember was waking out of a coma a week later.
I sustained:
- Head Injuries
- Facial fractures requiring screws/plates
- Broken Jaw (screwed and plated)
- Smashed teeth (still getting crowns fitted!)
- Compound Fracture of the right elbow
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lung
- Ruptured Kidney
- Lacerated Liver
- Badly broken Right femur (attached pictures)
- Smashed Right foot
- Broken Fingers
The break!
The rebuild!
It took 14 units of blood to resuscitate me, and nearly died again after sustaining major blood clots. Within 6 months I was on a bike, gingerly finding my way. I had the pins removed from my leg that instantly improved my confidence.
I then battled for a few years with ongoing treatments and illness. My left/right leg strength balance has been an issue due heavy muscle wastage/damage. I started riding slower, longer distances, building up to "Around the Bay in a Day" I never really gained the confidence or strength to race, but was keen to have another go.
Then I come across Matt Brindle's Power-Up DVD on your website. My strength dramatically improved and have got back into some club racing.
I'm now 38 years old, and racing in Masters B, but in my mind, just racing again is achievement enough. As part of my ongoing recovery, I've now found out that I require surgery to my hip.
People and family have told me to just give the cycling away, but I know that will never happen. This surgery should help alleviate some ongoing pain which will get me back even stronger than before.
Who knows, I may even end up in Masters A!!
As bad as my injuries have been, I know there are others out there who have sustained worse and recovered. I take my hat off to them. I hope my story inspires others to just give it a go. You only get one chance in life, or in my case, two!
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1 Response to "Just racing again is achievement enough!"
|
said this on 23 Apr 2009 11:57:36 AM EST
Hi David,
Great story from Frank. He is an old time friend of mine and I was actually at the race the day Frank crashed. It happened about 50 meters away from where we were watching. It was truly scary crash and something that I still have visuals of today. To be honest it was something that kept me out of Crit racing for many years. Frank is a great guy and I am blown away by his determination and tenacity. He is a true legend. I would love to get Frank's email address if that is at all possible as I lost contact with him and would love to catch up with him again. Cheers Mark |
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