Kate Weatherly was looking forward to racing her first World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne, but a crash during her last practice run sidelined her. We caught up with her today, as she arrived back in New Zealand, to find out more about the crash and what her recovery looks like.
Where on the course did you crash?
I was doing my last practice run before the race and things were going pretty well. I wanted to check a few features going at race speed and so I pedalled more than usual into the skinny concrete drop about halfway through the woods section. As I came in, I oversteered the corner and tried to correct myself but I over-braked and went off the drop with far too little speed and went over the bars directly onto my head on the rock landing.
What were the crash and subsequent evacuation like from your point of view?
Initially, I thought I was okay as pain was fairly low, however when the medics removed my helmet and moved me into an upright position my neck was very sore. They handled the situation well and were able to get me off the hill pretty quickly, I definitely would have liked to have had more information, however, compared to what Brook went through everything went pretty well. My initial thought of spending four and a half hours on the hill were pretty worrying! But I think they handled it well.
We heard that you've since flown home, how was that?
I’ve just arrived back in New Zealand as of 10 minutes ago, the flight to San Francisco with Air Canada was pretty terrible as I had to stay upright almost the whole time, flying back to NZ with Air New Zealand was far better. It’s been quite an ordeal but getting treated at home is just better as I’m closer to friends and family and any follow-up treatment should be easier.
Why did you decide to get surgery in New Zealand instead of Quebec?
I’m not 100% sure if I’ll need surgery yet, because of my type of crash. I’ve essentially split my C1 vertebrae and damaged the cartilage under it. This could heal on its own with stabilisation or may require surgery. It’ll be up to the doctors in New Zealand to decide. However, if it does require surgery, my C1 and C2 vertebrae would likely be fused and this would limit my neck's mobility. This can sometimes be reversed once the bone has healed, but to do this is much better if the surgeon who did this original surgery does the revision. Also if I had the surgery in Quebec I would need to have stayed there for several weeks and in a neck/head brace my bone is stable so I’d rather do the recovery at home that in a foreign country.
What is your long-term outlook like?
I’m unsure what the long-term outlook is, or what recovery time is likely to look like. It’ll depend on if the doctors here want to operate, I hope to be back riding strong for the start of next season but right now my focus is getting back to fitness and being okay. I’ve had no spinal damage which is very lucky considering how severe the fracture is and right now I’m just happy to be able to walk. I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts, it means a lot. Big injuries like this suck but it could happen to anyone. All things going according to plan, you’ll see me in Mont-Sainte-Anne next year!
We wish Kate all the best for a full recovery.
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Since someone is probably going to ask, I will: What are your thoughts about the Leatt neck brace? Do you find them uncomfortable or maybe feel they won't really help? Is there peer-pressure in the pro ranks NOT to wear one?
Thanks!
As for the neck brace, wasn't she wearing one then? I haven't watched her ride but in the picture it seems she's wearing a neck brace. Also, in the thumbnail it appears like she's wearing Leatt branded goggles (never realized they make them) so there would be more pressure to wear it than not.
PS have no spinal damage from the back fractures and am recovering well.
WHY DON'T THEY WEAR FULL SHIN PADS! PEOPLE BREAK LEGS AND END CAREERS!
WHY DON'T THEY WEAR FULL BUBBLE-BOY SUITS!? PEOPLE DIE FROM INTERNAL INJURIES!!!
Seriously? You want to go there? Ride with what you're comfortable wearing. Its your body, do what you want and stop wasting your time wondering why other people don't wear the same safety gear as yourself. I cannot think of a bigger waste of time than snickering to your buddy going, "pft can you believe it? That dummy isn't even wearing elbow pads, shin pads, spine protection, LEATT brace, ankle braces, padded undies, chest protector, full face, etc."
You're a bunch of poo nannies.
We did this a few years ago Scott when talking about Rampage.
May I ask if you are single with no significant others?
May I ask if you have any brothers or sisters, or living parents / grandparents?
You may know where I'm going with this, but just in case you are too busy being angry about limits to your personal freedoms, I'll say it anyways...
At least ask the people around you who would look after you what they want you to do. If those people are happy with the idea of having to look after you whatever, then we are all good. No worries. If they haven't been consulted about it....? Not so sure if it is cool myself.
"It's your body" ? Well, yes, until you have the accident, then it is someone else's to look after.
"Stop wasting your time...." Yes agreed. Maybe I am wasting my time too.
Ironically, possibly depending on how you define it, it would be your family who would be the "poo nannies", would they not, should you have a spinal injury. Still, you choose Scott. Not that your family would have much choice about wiping your arse though.
In the end, IMHO, it's not about personal freedom. It is about respect for others above yourself. We all have the freedom to choose what kind of person we want to be. I choose the protection out of respect for the people around me, you don't, and that's cool, your choice in the end.
But could you please cut out the "you are all a bunch of pussies" attitude. Cheers. Enjoy an injury free weekend everyone.
Anyway I healed up good and I'm no pro athlete, so here's hoping you have the same luck and you're back thrashing it again real soon!
I'd be interested in seeing if the fine print in PB's rulebook talks about this being a free online resource and forum (ergo, that PB pays to host) and where bigoted rhetoric goes without consequence.
So many injuries this year :-(
Only mine come from mashing a keyboard and awkwardly picking up my coffee cup. @kateweatherly, sounds like a well-reasoned call heading home with a plan and here's to getting better.
As for pouring gas on the fire, thanks PB for necessarily keeping things civil and on point. Too bad it goes that direction.
Longest 15hr drive I’ve ever encountered, but driving with a rigid neck brace one was super nerve racking.
(I did my C5/6/7, wasn't wearing a brace, still walking though)