While this is my first blog post on the Tri 4 Him website I wished it was under better circumstances. As some of you may know I was involved in a bike accident while training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I was invited to train and compete with other great athletes from across the nation for two weeks while staying at the OTC.

 I arrived at the OTC with Jeff Booher on Thursday July 29^th with the race on Saturday July 31^st. Draft legal is so different from non draft legal racing. All of these athletes can swim and they can swim fast! We line up for a beach start and take off in full sprint. I was fortunate to get to the front and found myself in some open water from time to time. There was an extremely long run to transition but I used it to stay with the group ahead of me. Getting onto the bike a large pack formed very quickly and we started to pick off athletes one by one. By the end of the bike our pack was a good 10 to 12 man deep. I took a couple pulls at the front but spent a lot of the time toward the back taking in the experience and getting ready for the run. The run is usually my strong event but that day I just didn’t have it. I held on for as long as I could but was passed toward the end.  I was blessed to avoid any accidents during the race and placed 9^th overall out of about 50 fantastic athletes. It was my first attempt at a draft legal race and I know I can only improve on my performance. I cannot thank Jeff Booher enough for being there at the race and showing me support and guidance during my first draft legal race.

The day after we had about a 3.5 hour training ride with some resident pro’s who stay at the OTC. About 3 hours into our ride we were heading down a hill when my tire blew out. I do not remember a thing but from what I was told my rear wheel separated from my frame throwing me into a guard rail. Luckily I was training with a bunch of great guys who were right there by my side. Like any athlete all I was concerned with was my bike. They said I kept repeating things over and over, I can’t move my arm, why does my head hurt?, how’s my bike? They called Barb Lindquist at the OTC and 911 and I was rushed to the ER where I spent a good 7 hours. Luckily I had some family in town and they were by my bedside throughout the entire process. Unfortunately Jeff had left that morning but I know he wanted to be there.

Most of Sunday and Monday was a blur as I was in and out most of the time. I do remember the doctors explaining to my aunt that I suffered a severe concussion, tore some muscles in my left shoulder, a bruised right heel, some road rash, a fractured septum (nose) and a triple fracture in my left cheek/eye area. Luckily no limbs were broken but I will need surgery on my face to repair the fractures. So far the scans and Dr. appointments are going well. Found out on Friday that my eyes are completely normal and there is no damage. Monday I have to meet with the neurologist to make sure I don’t have serious brain damage.

At the end of the day I thank God that I am alive and well. It could have been much worse. I would like to thank all my friends and family who have been that for me and have been my arms and legs during this hard time. I thank the guys I was training with and for their quick actions on that day. I thank USAT for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills and talents and Jeff Booher for all the help and guidance he has shown me. And the Tri 4 Him community for all their prayers and support.