Ex-police officer suffers broken back in cycling accident in Redlands

A man who has dedicated his life to the safety of others has suffered a broken back after he was hit by a car while training for a triathlon.

Police officer turned triathlete Garry Alston

A man who had dedicated his life to the safety of others has suffered a broken back after being hit by a car while training for a triathlon.

Ex-police officer Garry Alston was on his regular Thursday morning ride in the Redlands when he was knocked off his bicycle by a car and fractured his L3 vertebrae.

Mr Alston said that as he approached the roundabout at the intersection of Ney and Avalon roads, Sheldon, he could see a vehicle on the left, but within seconds he was on the ground.

“My head hit the ground and then my shoulder and back at the same time, (I) felt and heard the crack,” Ms Alston said.

“I was glad I could wiggle my toes, but I didn’t know the severity of the injury until I was at hospital and underwent a CT scan, MRI and X-rays.

“I was training for the ironman down at Port Macquarie in May.”

Mr Alston was sworn in to the Queensland Police Service in 1991 but left in 2004 after the death of an immediate family member “destroyed” him.

He now works as a Queensland Rail protection officer and is a qualified swimming coach, but said triathlons helped with his mental recovery.

“I’m in charge of keeping people safe… that’s what my life has been about in all my careers… protecting and serving,” he said.

Police officer turned triathlete Garry Alston

The accident comes just a month after Mr Alston took out the Australian Standard Distance Triathlon Championships at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast on March 12.

Mr Alston has qualified for the world championships in Townsville in August 2024.

As for whether he would still be able to compete, Mr Alston said: “I have my fingers crossed.

“I’m not in a good place but I will soldier on… people just need to be aware that there are cyclists on the road.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of Mr Alston to assist with medical costs and bills.

“In some eyes (Garry) could be seen as a hero and some people would see him as an idol,” the GoFundMe read.

“Garry is dedicated to his fitness, alway training for triathlons and to stay fit… he was one of many police officers sent over to help with the Bali bombings.”

The M5 Academy where Mr Alston trains and works as a swim coach wrote: “For those who know Garry, he’s keeping his chin up the best he can.

“It looks like Garry will be laid up for a few months and has been told that driving is off the cards for some time.

“Garry also has the added complication of living alone, which makes day-to-day self-care a little more challenging.

“Garry is very proud and, asking for help, sits outside his comfort zone.

“So it’s nice that we can ask on Garry’s behalf.”

Originally published as Ex-police officer suffers broken back in cycling accident in Redlands