Details on the extent of Darcy Ward’s injuries following his nasty crash in Poland remain sketchy after a short press conference was held by his club this evening Australian time.
He has ‘no trouble breathing on his own, is talking and can recognise people’ after a 2.5 hour surgery to address a spinal injury.
“After a two and a half hour operation, Darcy Ward can breathe by himself, he can react, he can talk and is recognising the people,” said Dr. Robert Zapotocznego (via an English interpreter).
The press conference didn’t touch on the nature or extent of Ward’s spinal injury, instead the team stated that doctors will provide information in 48 hours time.
“We do believe that in the next two days there will be updates – we can be more precise and have new information about Darcy Ward (and his condition) then.
“There are no words in medicine like never or always, and we know how the progress can be fabulous and how fantastic the doctors can react and fight against a disease – in some ways they can do some miracle things – there are no more details at this time,” said the ZG team manager.
The team paid tribute to 2012 World Champion, Chris Holder who rushed from his own Extraliga match for Torun to be by the side of his former Poole team-mate and good friend.
“Former World Champion Chris Holder – his mate – is close to Darcy and is staying at the hospital and is also at the side with his two mechanics.”
Holder had withdrawn from the critical Poole vs. Swindon Elite League match on Monday night UK time – which subsequently was postponed by the promotion due to impending inclement weather and out of respect for Ward – who’s contract is owned by Poole and he is currently part of the Swindon roster.
“We will continue of course to monitor the situation of Darcy and update on his condition when we are in a position to do,” said Poole Pirates owner, Matt Ford. “It goes without saying that the news has hit our club hard. We treat Darcy as one of our own and as I said last night, we will continue to do everything possible to help Darcy through this difficult time.”
The speedway world has come together in its prayers and thoughts for the double World Under-21 Champion from Queensland.
“Don’t believe anything your (sic) reading, nothing’s confirmed, praying for ya Darcy, I’m on my way brother,” said Chris Holder on Facebook.
His fellow young star, Emil Sayfutdinov – who has been Ward’s adversary for much of his senior career -sent his support.
“Come on doctors. Don’t give up. Make all you can to get Darcy back on track. Darcy I waiting for you. Don’t give up my friend. We have a lot races in front of us as we doing since 2009 when you come for first time to Poland to Bydgoszcz,” the Russian said.
“I have been waiting on the official news regarding Darcy’s health condition before commenting about yesterday’s incident, but so far we don’t have any new information. I hope that Darcy will recover in the best possible way,” Nicki Pedersen tweeted.
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