Four-time Olympic rower Duncan Free has sustained a broken femur after a cycling accident yesterday on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Four-time Olympic rower Duncan Free has sustained a broken femur after a cycling accident yesterday on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Free was riding with three other rowers when a car pulled in front of their line and knocked the 38-year-old from his bicycle.
Free was immediately taken to Gold Coast hospital and was successfully operated on last night, but will miss the remainder of the international season.
Free, who had a nail inserted through the femur with pins to hold it together, will be placed on crutches today as part of the healing process which is expected to last 6-8 weeks. He will then face another 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation before he can tackle full training again.
The Queenslander, who celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday, had been named in the men’s coxless four in 2011 and was scheduled to depart with the Australian team next month to compete at three events, including the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia (August 28-September 4).
The 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist in the men’s pair said the operation was a success.
“I am grateful to the three doctors who operated on me last night and by all reports everything went really well,” Free said. “It will probably take a few days to sink in but I am lucky that I have such great family and friends to help me through this initial stage.
“I was looking forward to rowing in the men’s four this season but I am more determined than ever to be back in time for the first round of selection trials in December this year.”
Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said his thoughts and wishes were with the Free family.
“Cycling accidents are always nasty and I think in this circumstance we must be thankful that Duncan sustained no other injuries,” Matheson said.
“Duncan is an extremely fit individual and that will hopefully weigh in his favour in regards to complete rehabilitation time.”
Matheson said that national selectors and coaches would have to discuss crew options for the international season.
“We will have to sit down and work out the best options,” Matheson said. “We have a really strong men’s sweep group and I am confident that someone will be able to step up.”
Rowing Australia