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 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.