British star Kat Matthews, runner up at the IRONMAN World Championship at St George in May, has spent a second night in hospital after being hit by a car while on a training ride.
Preparing for the IMWC’s return to Kona on 6 October, Matthews was riding with fellow triathletes in Texas where she took part in the PTO US Open just over a week ago.
She sustained several injuries which will mean a spell on the sidelines but her husband Mark said: “She will make a full recovery.”
‘Turbulent emotions’
More details emerged when Matthews posted on Instagram on her second day in hospital, saying: “A lot of turbulent emotions this last 12 hours (overnight in hospital). Feeling a real sense of loss of identity / focus, like grieving so so suddenly but equally so much support from the tri community, thank you.
“Was riding fast along right side of the road (??), and an elderly gentleman (I’m told) just turned (was travelling opposite direction) across and rammed into me… I saw the car in front of me and then nothing else.
“Update end of day 2 – staying overnight again. Can walk and talk, winner. TBC on lots of things still. Tired and miserable. But also surprisingly upbeat because surrounded by so many great people.”
‘Hopefully no long-term injuries’
On the day of the accident her husband Mark, who has now flown out to the United States, had provided the following details: “Rumours starting to fly around so just to be clear Kat is ok and in good hands with hopefully no long-term injuries.
“Lots of nice messages and people worried so to let people know: she will make a full recovery.
“Small fractures in skull, two vertebrae, sternum and a dozen or so stitches. Waiting on last MRI results.”
Kat is currently at #6 in the PTO’s world rankings and had been among the favourites for the sport’s biggest long-distance race in Hawaii.
