Heartbreak...
With much regret and serious heartbreak I had to make the desision today not to fly the 2007 World Hang Gliding Championship. I made this decision while on my way to Texas today; nothing more heartbreaking than making the 18 hour drive to the worlds all the way sorting out someone to take your place. I have arranged the last two years of my life based on this and it is a real bummer that I will not be able to participate. Mike Barber will be taking my place.
My foot is just too un-stable. I tried a little walking without crutches yesterday and my foot was in pretty bad shape this morning. I still have stiches and besides the surgery I just had, I have a very severly sprained akle. I feel like I might could have sucked it up and flown but know I would have only lasted a few days and that would not have been good for the team - hang gliding is a very individual sport but this comp is a team event. It is going to be tough to standby and watch but I am still thrilled to be here and see all the amazing people I have met the past few years from around the world.
I am still very happy that I made the team in such a short amout of time and it is an accomplishment that I am very proud of - I will just have to wait til the 2009 worlds in France.
I will be here cheering on the US Team and driving for my good buddies the Australians. They have taken really good care of me in the past two years (and the past few days) and it's time to return the favor.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive the last few weeks - especially Jonny Durand who has made me ice packs, driven me around, loaded the car, and made me veggiemite sandwichs everyday.
My foot is just too un-stable. I tried a little walking without crutches yesterday and my foot was in pretty bad shape this morning. I still have stiches and besides the surgery I just had, I have a very severly sprained akle. I feel like I might could have sucked it up and flown but know I would have only lasted a few days and that would not have been good for the team - hang gliding is a very individual sport but this comp is a team event. It is going to be tough to standby and watch but I am still thrilled to be here and see all the amazing people I have met the past few years from around the world.
I am still very happy that I made the team in such a short amout of time and it is an accomplishment that I am very proud of - I will just have to wait til the 2009 worlds in France.
I will be here cheering on the US Team and driving for my good buddies the Australians. They have taken really good care of me in the past two years (and the past few days) and it's time to return the favor.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive the last few weeks - especially Jonny Durand who has made me ice packs, driven me around, loaded the car, and made me veggiemite sandwichs everyday.
We are going to have a good time here in Texas!
posted by c. smith at 1:36 AM
3 Comments:
Chris,
I think your decision of not flying due to your injury shows maturity and wisdom.
Hats off to you!
Chris,
Jonny paid you did't he. Damn Jonny - Whatever he offered you not to fly, I'll double it...
You are one of the real good guys of the sport and it is a shame to see you out of the running.
With such a wise head on your shoulders you'll have plenty more worlds to wave the Aussie, oops I mean, American flag at!
Best of luck,
Trent
I should have hitched a ride after my surgery. We could be nursing our wounds together. Although we are both lame, your injury comes with much bigger consequences, I'm sorry to hear you won't be flying. Rest the foot, have some fun, and I'm sure you'll be better than ever once you're all healed~ Just like the bionic man only much sexier!
Take Care, Stacy
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