Skiing the World with Keely Kelleher
Injuries: A Part of Skiing
Overcoming fear is the big challenge following a crash. Do you have a story to share?
By Keely Kelleher, 12-26-09
I escaped Val d’Isere luckier than most. The racing in France can be described no better than tough. Four racers this week went home with torn ACL’s or some form of injury. I semi-injured myself after crashing into the nets, walking away with a sprained ankle and knee. Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is a healthy body!
I am continually surprised by this sport, one day you are on top feeling unstoppable and the next day you’re crashing into the netting. The most frequently asked question I get, “Hey Keely, so what’s going through your mind when you are crashing?” My response is always the same, “I try to cover my head, close my eyes and pray to the ski gods that I’ll make it out of the crash with my limbs intact.”
I’d like to say that I’m not scared after I crash, but I am. It takes a lot of mental power to get up the next day, ski the same course, and go for it. It is all about getting back on the horse, riding the same one that bucked you off the day before. It goes to say for anyone who skis. Maybe you’ve taken a bad fall and the first thing that comes to your mind is, “I’m not skiing that run again.” My advice, if you’re not in the ski patrols sled, go back to that run and ski it. Tackle the beast you’re scared of. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself as a skier.
After broken bones, six surgeries, and endless time spent in physical therapy I will be the first to say, it is worth it. Although my mother still cringes every time she watches me race, it is an unbelievable feeling to persevere through all odds and doubts. Ski a line I did not think was possible and nail it. Go beyond people’s expectations and judgments. Step outside the boundaries. It feels good.
Hopefully reading this you are feeling inspired and motivated. It feels like what I need right now, some of my own advice, get back on my skis and trust myself. Instead of Keely’s Top Five this week, it would be great to hear your stories of overcoming injury or fear on the slopes. I have told mine now I want to hear yours. I want to read about it and be inspired. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Only when you're young are you dumb enough and able enough to risk crippling injuries and possibly death for glory. That's why young athletes set records and young soldiers die in battle even though the risk of bodily harm is great and the anticipation of a long and healthy life not so important.
Comment By Dave Skinner, 12-27-09Geeze, Mick, what a party pooper you are.
I never had the talent to race. Always back in the ruts, and always vibrated to death as the line became impossible. I was afraid I'd hurt myself too badly to be able to free-ski at will. Then there was the utter joy of hooking a gate from time to time. I decided that trees were less painful -- even the snag I body-slammed and broke...and then the top conked me on the head.
That said, I think racers and patrollers are the best free-skiers. Their stance recovery is amazing sometimes.
Far be it from me to poop anyones party. Just pointing out that we take outlandish risks when we are young that most of us wouldn't dream of taking when we get older.
Comment By Glenn, 12-28-09dear Keely,
I still remember the letter from my surgeon. "Cleared to return to skiing,must avoid difficult conditions and deep snow." Squat pressed 550lbs. eccentrically and 375 concentric in PT, storm cycle produced 70" of 3 % water content powder. Photographer request for staff to meet early, bluebird day, my ski pole, my hand, hat, and neck gaiter are all that is visible above the surface of chest deep snow that morning. More publishable photo's from four rolls of film on that shoot than any day in the previous ten years. You bet it is worth the work, to come back! SKI YOUR Heart out. It is worth it!
Keely, I totally tore my ACL when I was 19, I'm 47 now. Did all the rehab for about six months and was on the slopes again the next winter. I still ski all the double blacks and deep powder too. Here's what helped get me better quickly. I favored the injury (limping on my right leg) a university PT helped my by telling me to walk correctly during my rehab. This was in Bozeman MT at MSU near your old stomping grounds. He said to quit favoring the injury and when I did it healed better and quicker. Anyway, an injury at a young age should not keep anyone from enjoying a powder day in their older years if they take care of the injury, listen to their PT (they know what they are talking about) and get back out there.
Comment By Wini Gentholts, 1-03-10Hey Keely,
First off, go get 'em girl! You've got what it takes, we're all behind ya!
Secondly, I'm going to disagree with Mickey. Being young does not measure a persons rationality or aptability to "risk crippiling injuries" acuratly. You can hurt yourself at any age wanting that one last run or one last powder turn. The difference is people who give up then and there because they are scared, and those who get back at it because it is what they love and live for.
Tearing my ACL twice in 10 months was certainly frustrating, but giving up what I love is not an option. Feeling the snowflakes melt on my face, hearing the snow compress under my skis and seeing the mountains sparkle so intensly each moment is an experience I never want to live with out. This means my actions will be measured, but that accidents still happen... The thing to remember is what makes me happy, and find a way to return to it :)
Keely, you are on my mind every race I hear about! You got it!