Tim Don Struck by Car, Fractured Vertebrae, Out of IMWC
The current world record holder for fastest Ironman finish will not be making the start this Saturday.
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The current world record holder for fastest Ironman finish will not be making the start this Saturday at the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Great Britain’s Tim Don was out for a ride this morning when he was hit by car. The result of the crash was a fractured C2 vertebrae. Fortunately, Don says he will not have to have surgery, but will obviously not be able to race on Saturday.
“Hey guys, I’m in Kona A&E, just getting the finishing touches for my Kona race on Saturday, going for a new aero look. I’ve heard that’s the way to beat Jan, Sebi, and Patrick, the podium guys from last year,” he said in an Instagram post. “No, unfortunately I got hit by a car this morning, and I’ve got a fracture in my C2 vertebrae up high. The good news is I don’t have to have an operation and fly to Honolulu in a helicopter—that would have been pretty cool—no, but that’s the good news. The bad news is I’m out for the best part of five/six weeks in a brace and can’t be back. I wish everyone the best of luck. Good luck guys.”
Don is a former ITU world champion and posted a 7:40:23 finishing time at May’s Ironman South American Championship in Florianopolis, Brazil, marking the fastest official Ironman finishing time in history.