SKIER Adrien Theaux was rushed to hospital with a HOLE in his leg after a tree branch pierced him in a gruesome training accident.
The Frenchman was at Copper Mountain resort, Colorado, USA preparing for a Super-G downhill event when he came off the track and hurtled into the forest, sustaining severe injuries.
Theuax, 37, was left with breaks in his leg and arm as well as the gruesome puncture wound.
Surgery has left him with extensive scarring but the athlete says he is 'extremely lucky' the accident was not any worse.
He posted images of his injuries on social media alongside a message to his fans and sponsors.
He wrote: "Hi everyone, I am here to give you some news following my accident which occurred last Monday in training in the USA.
"I wasn't really in a position to give the news earlier, sorry.
"After making a mistake in Super-G, I went straight into the protective nets, and stopped in the forest.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
"Assessment, fracture of the tibia, damage of the elbow with tearing of the triceps, and a hole in the thigh due to a branch which dragged by there.
"However, in my misfortune I was extremely lucky given the circumstances, nothing vital was touched and this is most important.
"I also had the chance to be directly taken care of on the track by our 'genius' doctor @louissvgnto who I owe a lot to and who accompanied me throughout this journey, even bringing me home. Thanks my guy!
"Thanks to our physiotherapist @arnaud_sudrewho was there too and without whom I would not have had access to the two surgeons Vaiola and Gaudin who did an extraordinary job during the two operations.
"Thank you to my family and all my 'brothers' for their support.
"Sorry to you Seb my ski technician, and my coaches with who we had done a tremendous job for more than a year to get back to the top level.
"All the lights were green, the sensations were very good and the lap times too.
"However, it is the hard law of life, high level sport and even more downhill in which the slightest mistake has serious consequences and puts us out of the game for a long time.
"Sorry to all my sponsors, all the people who support me and believe in me, for not being able to make you dream this winter.
"The physical pains slowly pass, yet we still have to accept what is happening.
"Now is the time to rebuild and find other occupations while getting back on the skis.
FREE BETS: GET THE LATEST BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS AND FREE BETS
"A huge thank you to all for your messages of support!"
The post received more than 6,000 likes and 500 comments from people wishing Theaux well in his recovery.
He is now back home having had two operations to treat his extensive injuries.
Source: Read Full Article
