Amanda Erwin update: minivan impact "much worse" than first reported
St Paul, MN / June 16, 2009--The skepticism was palpable in the voice of
Race Director Steve Bussjaeger reporting in on the condition of Amanda Erwin
following the stunning accident in which she was "t-boned" by a minivan
while leading the Route 66 Oklahoma BOUS Qualifier on May 31.
Xrays taken right after the accident "didn¹t show signs of a fracture" he
said, but with more than a hint of disbelief in his tone. The accident had
looked pretty bad. Unfortunately, his instincts were right.
"My tibia was broken by the impact of the minivan," writes Amanda. "I had
surgery the Tuesday after the accident to insert a rod into the bone. I am
in a cast, obviously, and on crutches. It has been two and a half weeks and
I'm nowhere near being able to put weight on my foot yet."
And that¹s just the start of the laundry list:
"I also sustained a concussion, whiplash, stress fracture of the upper
tibia, fracture to the orbital socket, sprained shoulder, cracked teeth, and
of course, multiple abrasions and bruises on left side of body and face."
Amanda had finished 6th overall at the 2008 Best of the U.S. Championship,
and was focused on qualifying again in ¹09, although she had designs on
acquiring a pro card. "The 'bruises and disappointment' first reported are
the least of my worries right now! I'm not sure if triathlon is even in my
near future, let alone turning professional in August, as was my intent."
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