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International sports stars and BMX community throw support behind seriously injured Sam Willoughby

THE international BMX community stopped in Las Vegas amid an outpouring of support for Australian rider Sam Willoughby as he recovers from a broken neck.

Reece Homfray
2 min read
September 23, 2016 - 7:19PM
BMX rider Sam Willoughby before his injury. Picture: Richard Gosling
BMX rider Sam Willoughby before his injury. Picture: Richard Gosling

THE international BMX community stopped in Las Vegas amid an outpouring of support for seriously injured Australian rider Sam Willoughby as he recovers from a broken neck.

Willoughby has no movement from his chest down after a training crash on September 10 and is expected to be moved from a San Diego hospital to a spinal cord injury rehab unit in Colorado this week with the goal of being able to walk his fiancee down the aisle at their wedding next year.

On Friday he was a finalist in the 20th annual RIDEbmx Nora Cup Awards - known as BMX’s version of the Oscars - for ‘racer’ of the year as voted on by his peers.

It comes as a fund-raising page set up to help with Willoughby’s recovery costs passed $12,000 in 24 hours since it was launched.

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BMX SA is raising money for Sam Willoughby at its race meet in Gawler on Sunday. Picture: Tricia Watkinson
BMX SA is raising money for Sam Willoughby at its race meet in Gawler on Sunday. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist was up against Rio Olympic gold medallists Connor Fields and Mariana Pajon in the title of ‘racer’ of the year in Vegas which was yet to be announced at press time.

The extent of Willoughby’s injuries was revealed on Thursday night when his family released a statement confirming the Adelaide 25-year-old had fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae which severely compressed his spinal cord in a training crash at Chula Vista.

He has no movement from his chest down but can move his arms and has some sensations in his legs.

Athletes from around the world took to social media to share the hashtag #strengthfor91 - the year Willoughby was born and his official racing number - and raise awareness of the fund-raising efforts.

British cycling superstar Sir Chris Hoy, Test cricket great Mitchell Johnson, cycling queen Anna Meares, swimmer Michael Klim, rowing gold medallist James Tomkins and Adelaide’s AFL captain Taylor Walker all voiced their support.

Willoughby is an ambassador and long-time supporter of the Crows and the club donated $5000 towards his recovery.

Cycling Australia chief executive Nick Green said there had been “overwhelming” support and interest in Willoughby’s condition in the past 24 hours.

“The interest we’ve had just within our network is mindblowing,” Green said.

“I’ve had calls from people overseas who want to make a contribution financially so we are directing them towards the website that’s been set up.

“This is not a sport matter anymore, the interest is his welfare.

BMX star Sam Willoughby gives a thumbs up from his hospital bed.
BMX star Sam Willoughby gives a thumbs up from his hospital bed.

“Sam is clearly very popular here in Australia but given he’s spent most of his competitive life recently in the US he has a very strong following there too.

“The BMX community in the US is reaching out as they are here as well, as is the cycling community at large.

“We are devastated that a freak accident can happen to someone we saw compete so successfully for the nation at the Olympic Games just last month and he now has a life challenge.”

With Willoughby facing a lengthy rehabilitation process Green said it was important for cycling to provide continued support for him and his family.

“We’ve only had preliminary discussions at this stage but it’s around how does the cycling community continue to provide support. The world is going to be watching Australian cycling over the summer period and we will do what we can to promote Sam’s welfare.”

reece.homfray@news.com.au

Originally published as International sports stars and BMX community throw support behind seriously injured Sam Willoughby

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