One serious accident would be enough to put any cyclist off getting back in the saddle. Two accidents might well lead to a serious dislike for all things bike-related. Not so for paralympian Simon Richardson MBE.
Simon on the bike (photo provided by SR)
Simon, 45, of Porthcawl, was knocked off his bike by a car travelling at 60mph back in 2001. The accident left him with a shattered leg and a broken back in two places. On August 17, Simon was hit again while out cycling up Crack Hill on the A48 near Bridgend.
Crack Hill, A48
Bottom of Crack Hill, A48
He suffered multiple, life-threatening injuries, which included a deep cut to his leg, a broken pelvis, sternum and back, a pierced bowel and a collapsed lung. Despite his injuries, Simon is determined to get back in the saddle.
Last week, a 60-year-old man appeared at Barry Magistrates Court to face charges relating to the crash in August. Simon’s injuries mean next year’s Paralympics are out of the question. He has, however, been nominated to carry the Olympic torch and is hoping he will be lucky enough to be chosen.
Before the 2001 accident Simon had been a club cyclist riding about 250 miles a week. After five years of operations and medication, he returned to cycling in 2006. Following a year of “playing on the bike”, he was picked-up as a guest rider by the British Team in 2007 and raced in Spain, France and Germany.
Simon in the GB kit at the velodrome (photo provided by SR)
Simon was then picked to go to the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where he won gold in the kilometer, gold in the 3k and silver in the time trial.
Simon with his gold medal at the Paralympics (photo provided by SR)
Following his achievements, Simon received an MBE in 2009. He continued to race for the British Team that year and was active on the racing circuit throughout 2010 and up until August of this year.
Simon with his M.B.E in 2009 (photo by John Stillwell)
Simon Richardson talks about his accident, road safety and his love for cycling.
When I spoke to Simon, he was in his bed, where he still spends a lot of time. He should only have come out of hospital two weeks ago, but instead opted for a home recovery plan. While making good progress on most of his injuries, Simon’s back and lungs are still a major problem.
Every day he spends 10 minutes on a stationary bike at low intensity and undertakes physiotherapy and strength training for an hour or so after. Simon’s weight dropped to nine stone in hospital and while he has regained the weight, he is lacking strength. “My legs give out, my arms are weak and it’s just hard to use the walking sticks,” he said. “I usually use a wheelchair when I’m out and about – it’s just easier.”
Getting back on the bike is not a question of “if” but “when”. Depending on his back, Simon is hoping to be on the road in either 2012 or 2013. And if that was not enough of a challenge, Simon hopes to set-up and complete a 750-800 mile ride around Wales over seven days to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance, which transported him to hospital after his crash.
Together with his sponsor, Phil Jones of Brother UK, Simon wants to establish a Cycle Safe Campaign, whereby cyclists are encouraged to wear armbands or carry an identity card with their name, medical history and next of kin on in case of an accident. Simon said: “It’s trying to get cycle safety in the public mind all the time. Every parent wants their child to ride a bike, but some of those people are the ones who are knocking off the average cyclist.”
And his long-term goal? The Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. If they include Paralympic solo cycling that is. It will mean wearing a Welsh jersey for the first time in his career, after all.
Simon’s story is testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the severity of his injuries after being knocked off his bike, not once, but twice, he is the epitome of positive thinking – working hard to aid his recovery, campaigning for improvements in road safety and never without a goal in mind. As the late American author, Og Mandino, said: “Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.” Simon Richardson most certainly is and what an inspiration it can prove to be for everyone involved in sport and, indeed, those who are not.
The question is, what can and should be done to improve the lot of cyclists in South Wales? Answers on a postcard please.
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