Tas rowing champion Georgia Nesbitt had to learn to walk again after crash at Glenorchy’s Tolosa Park

Tasmanian rowing star and endurance athlete Georgia Nesbitt has her running shoes on again after a horrific bike crash left her in an induced coma and having to learn to walk again. Her journey.

Georgia Nesbitt (Huon Rowing Club) on way to victory in the Australian Rowing Championships open lightweight women's single scull. at Lake Barrington. Picture: RA / Linda Higginson (MUST CREDIT)

As an elite athlete, Georgia Nesbitt has always loved “the grind”.

It’s seen her in good stead during her years as one of Australia’s top rowers.

But she’s had to use that determination to confront a new challenge after a life-changing accident.

Ms Nesbitt was seriously injured in a bike crash at a criterium race at Glenorchy’s Tolosa Park on March 10.

She underwent surgery for the broken jaw and was placed in an induced coma for a brain injury.

Spending around 15 weeks in hospital, she went from being fit enough to win the Freycinet Challenge, to struggling to take a few steps.

“Having to learn to walk again, that’s quite an experience,” Ms Nesbitt said.

“I just found standing up and balancing and walking impossible to begin with.”

Tasmanian rowing champion and endurance athlete Georgia Nesbitt with her dog Frankie in the Royal Hobart Hospital, as Georgia recovered from injuries she received in a serious bike crash at Tolosa Park in March 2023.

Almost seven months on from the crash the 31-year-old from South Hobart’s recovery is exceeding expectations.

Applying herself to rehab and physiotherapy, Ms Nesbitt is now able to run again.

“Having spent 10 years on the national team and six years at the training centre, training hard and working hard is all second nature to me,” she said.

Sport has also taught Ms Nesbitt how to deal with mental setbacks.

She remembers being deeply disappointed when the Australian double scull pair she was part of failed to qualify for the last Olympics.

“But you just have to play the hand you are dealt and get on with it. Funnily enough a few years later I find myself in a tough situation … I think a lot of it has to do with your attitude and perspective and the way you look at things,” she said.

Australian rowing champion Georgia Nesbitt who is recovering from a cycling accident. Picture: Chris Kidd

As she recuperated in hospital following her accident, she would look out the window at kunanyi/Mt Wellington for inspiration to return to physical fitness.

“I’ve always loved the grind of training and being fit so I’ll see where it takes me.

“I love anything outdoors, that’s me.”

Having retired from rowing, Ms Nesbitt is now looking forward to starting her post-sporting career as a solicitor with national law firm Barry Nilsson.

She’s also enjoying being a board member with Rowing Tasmania.

“I feel like pretty content with what I’ve achieved in competitive sport. After I quit rowing last year I was ready to start working and get a bit settled,” she said.

Mr Nesbitt thanked everyone who had supported her during her recovery.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with support and people reaching out from school, from uni, from work, from rowing, from cycling, and everything else I’ve crammed in between, it’s been amazing,” she said.