SERIOUSLY injured Australian BMX star Caroline Buchanan says she is lucky to be alive and has described the pain of being barely able to breathe for three hours after a vehicle crash on Saturday.
The eight-time world champion and two-time Olympian remains in a Canberra hospital where she is being treated for a broken sternum and broken nose and had fluid and blood drained from two collapsed lungs.
Buchanan was a passenger in an off-road vehicle rollover with a friend on a private property near Canberra on December 30 when she suffered the life threatening injuries. It’s understood that alcohol was not involved in the accident.
Speaking for the first time since the crash, Buchanan on Friday night vowed to continue her cycling career when she is allowed back on her bike in at least four months.
“I have been overwhelmed and at the same time coming to grips with how lucky I am and how bad it could have been,” Buchanan posted on Instagram.
“I surely won’t forget feeling helpless and wondering ‘what if’ for roughly three hours barely being able to breathe while my lungs both collapsed and filled with fluid and blood throughout surrounding internal areas and the worst chest pain with a broken sternum on route to Canberra hospital.
“I am very grateful for being able to still be here, to continue living the ride and experiencing the highs and lows of life and knowing that this next recovery block to get back on my bike is going to be a bit longer than I had of imagined at this stage.
“Estimating I am back on the bike, ready to race, in April/May at least four months from now minimum.
“I am yet to get confirmation about whether or not I need further surgery on my nose and on my broken sternum.
“Starting off 2018 every day with small steps and small wins … and I want to thank everyone for your messages, flowers and posts of support.”
The 27-year-old said she now had a new pain threshold which was beyond even compare to anything she had experienced on a bike.
“My new perception of what is level 10 pain for me is certainly increased a lot and not taking health for granted, adversity and challenges builds success, builds resilience and builds momentum,” Buchanan said.
“That is my rock bottom moment which is driving me to continue on towards my dreams, not be diverted because of setbacks and not be scared of pain, and no excuses to not continue living the ride.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au
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