Brave Sam Willoughby targets happy homecoming
BMX star Sam Willoughby hopes to visit SA before the end of year as his recovery from a serious crash continues.
BMX star Sam Willoughby hopes to visit SA before the end of year as his recovery from a serious crash continues.
The two-time world champion has stepped up his rehabilitation in the United States after fracturing two vertebrae and compressing his spinal cord in a freak training accident in September.
Speaking today at the launch of a Clipsal 500 fundraiser to support Willoughby’s rehabilitation, his father, Colin Willoughby, said his son was remaining positive in his fight to walk again.
Sam, 25, is working with a personal trainer four days a week at a rehabilitation gym in San Diego.
He can now do sit-ups and hold himself up on a static bike.
“He’s progressing really well,” Colin said.
“He still hasn’t got leg movement as such but he’s certainly getting there and is very positive.
“He mentioned he’d like to get back (to Adelaide) this year if he can.
“At the moment it’s just about preparing himself mentally to do that long haul flight.
“As soon as he thinks he’s ready, he’d love to come back and catch up with the people that have helped him out.”
The State Government is auctioning off a Clipsal 500 hot lap to raise funds for Willoughby’s Road 2 Recovery Foundation.
The winner will ride with Supercar driver Lee Holdsworth of Preston Hire Racing through Adelaide’s streets this Friday.
The foundation has so far raised $248,756.
To bid, visit www.allbids.com.au/auctions/823082/2017-Clipsal-500-Adelaide-experience-for-two