Photo by: Honda Racing
During qualifying practice today in Maggiora at the 2014 MXGP of Italy, Honda-backed rider Joel Roelants crashed hard off a jump and sustained very serious injuries to his back. After regaining consciousness, the Belgian rider was complaining of having no feeling in his lower body and was immediately life flighted to the local hospital. Once there, Joel was rushed into surgery for a fracture to his seventh and eighth cervical vertebra.
We’re told the surgery was a 5-6 hour procedure, and at this point, there’s no update on whether or not Joel has any feeling or if he will regain the feeling in the future if not. At this point, though, most reports are fearing the worst. This injury is every rider’s worst fear, and our thoughts and prayers are with Joel and his family right now. We are posting updates from Joel’s brother Axel as they come in below.
6/15/2014 Updates from Joel’s brother Axel:
JR's first words : I know what is happening. I made the motivation already. I will fight. #NeverGiveUp #supportJR
— AxelRoelants (@AxelRoelants) June 15, 2014
UPDATE : out off surgery. Awake at 9am. Still no feeling from his ribs down. First 3weeks are crucial to see iff its possible to recover #34
— AxelRoelants (@AxelRoelants) June 15, 2014
6/16/2014 Updates from Joel’s brother Axel:
Really emotional, all this support! Mind over body. #supportJR
— AxelRoelants (@AxelRoelants) June 16, 2014
same situation like yesterday, much pain. no progress. hoping for a small change. mentally strong. #supportJR
— AxelRoelants (@AxelRoelants) June 16, 2014
