Former World Grand Prix Speedway rider Leigh Adams injured in Finke Desert race practice ride
Speedway ace… Australian Leigh Adams in action at the 2007 FIM Grand Prix of Scandinavia. Source: AFP
Ten times Australian Speedway Motorcycle Champion, Leigh Adams, aged 40, was involved in a serious accident whilst practising for the annual Finke Desert race in Alice Springs on June 7 an official statement from Leigh Adams Racing said.
An official statement from the former speedway ace’s team reads:
The international speedway star, who only retired from active competition in January this year, following a stellar 20 year career at the top level, had aspired to compete in the gruelling Finke Desert race for some time and was excited to be finally fulfilling a long held ambition.
Unfortunately, he crashed heavily at approximately 1pm on Tuesday afternoon and sustained multiple injuries including; fracturing several vertebrae, extensive spinal cord damage, punctured lungs, broken ribs, a broken scapula and a small fracture in his neck.
Leigh was flown to Adelaide on Tuesday night from Alice Springs and on Wednesday (yesterday) he underwent a marathon 6 hour operation on his back to stabilise and strengthen his badly injured spine. Surgeons are understood to be very happy with the outcome of the operation.
Leigh’s wife, Kylie, says he is doing better than expected given the magnitude of his injuries.
“He has no feeling in his legs at present except a little bit in one thigh, “Kylie explained.
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“But, that situation could certainly change and improve in the weeks and months ahead. He faces a long hard road to recovery. He’s currently in intensive care but could be moved out today into the special spinal unit. He’s actually very stable and probably a bit too well to be in intensive care. He’s very alert and talking. Leigh has no head injuries at all which is wonderful news. He’s just very sleepy due to the pain medication being administered,” Kylie concluded.
Kylie, Leigh and the entire Adams family are eternally grateful for the support they have received from all around Australia and the world.
Anyone wishing to email Leigh a message of support can do so by emailing – srn@speedway.com.au
