I must have strong muscles.

Me checking out my x-ray.


7th rib on right side of body broken


Close up of x-ray

11 July 2007

Well I found out that last weekend I actually was paddling the world cup with a broken rib………I guess this explains why I couldn’t pull on my strokes lol.

I spent yesterday with physios and doctors and then all afternoon in hospital getting x rays, ultra sound, and urine tests. It was very clear to the doctor that my 7th rib on the right side of my body was broken on my back. Apparently, the neighbouring ribs also normally break with this injury but I was lucky it was just the one. Good news is that my liver, kidneys and lungs weren’t punchered and are in good health and that it is a green break making healing faster and stronger.

I did it going down the narly drop at Tacen in training on Friday. I put a cross bow (cross side stroke) on the big hole putting my muscles on full load, and this combined with the force of the water of the drop caused my muscles to break the rib. Wow, I must have strong muscles : )

I could risk racing this weekend in the Augsburg World Cup here in Germany but there is too much risk of further damage and I would have to be dosed up on pain killers. Good news is that I can start paddling in four weeks on flatwater and then in 6 can be back on white water. I can continue with fitness training out of the boat so I will be 100% ready and fit to paddle in Brazil for the World Championships. Thanks to the physio from the Australian Team and Locky (C2 paddler from aussie team who is also a doctor) for all their help and advice.

I still have to look into things, but it looks like I will be going catching an early flight back to New Zealand next week.