Injury Reality

Injury Reality and Recovery in Motocross

By Daniel Blair

The Truth About Motocross

Let's get real for a second. You chose this sport. If you're watching this, it's because you want to be a racer. You picked this thrilling, dangerous sport because you love it. It's exciting and maybe a little scary, and that combination is what makes it so amazing. But here's the thing: motocross is for real, and it’s not all about winning races—injuries are a part of the game.

I want to start by talking about a few riders whose careers were affected by injuries, and how they handled them. These stories will help you understand how injuries play a role and how you can deal with them if it happens to you.

Riders Who've Battled Injuries

Ken Roczen
Ken was on his way to becoming a Supercross champion when a huge crash at Anaheim caused him to break his arm, BADLY. He had to go through a lot of surgeries, which delayed his chance at winning championships. But Ken showed a lot of grit and toughness, came back, and built a great career, even though that championship slipped through his fingers. It wasn’t easy, but his recovery was amazing!

Eli Tomac
Eli had a rough start, too. He had a big injury in Colorado when he crashed and hurt both shoulders. That slowed him down at first, but after recovering, he came back strong and went on to win multiple championships. His journey wasn’t easy, but he didn’t give up.

Austin Forkner and Adam Cianciarulo
These two riders were expected to take the sport by storm. Unfortunately, injuries held them back from reaching their full potential. Forkner, after several years of injuries, came back and has won multiple Supercross main events. But let’s be clear: seven years of injuries is a lot! Adam Cianciarulo had a tough time too—he couldn’t get a solid start in the 450 class due to injuries. Both riders showed incredible toughness, but injuries made it harder for them to achieve what they were destined for.

Chase Sexton and Ryan Dungey
Now, let’s talk about some riders who’ve handled injuries better. Chase Sexton had a huge femur break on his very first Supercross race. But after that, he stayed strong, worked on building his body to be durable, and won multiple championships. Ryan Dungey is another example of a rider who had a smart, calculated approach to racing and injury prevention. He was durable and careful, which helped him avoid many injuries.

Injury or Hurt?

Now, let’s talk about something important: Are you hurt, or are you injured?

When my son was younger and would crash, it was hard to tell if he was just hurt or actually injured. A lot of times, motocross racers don’t get injured; we get banged up—bruises, scrapes, and maybe sore muscles. But if you’re injured, something serious might be wrong, and you need to see a doctor.

• Injured: If you're seriously hurt and need medical help, don’t try to be tough. You need to take the right steps to recover and get back to riding safely.
• Hurt: If you’re just sore, bruised, or a little banged up, then you’ve got to toughen up! This sport is about grit and determination. You’ve got to push through the pain and get back on the bike when you're ready.
• 
  

Important Tip: If a doctor tells you you're injured, get a second opinion. It's not about looking for a way to get back on the bike faster, it’s about making sure nothing is missed.

Making a Plan After an Injury

When you’re injured, you have to think about your future. After the injury happens and you’ve started to heal, talk with your family and think about your next steps. It’s important to have an honest discussion:

1. Option 1: Taking a Break
   Maybe you need some time off. That’s okay! Many riders have taken a break after an injury and came back even stronger.
2. Option 2: Continue the Journey
   If you decide to come back, then you need a plan. You need to fix what needs fixing and build what needs building.

Here’s What You Can Do:

• Make a List: Write down the things that need fixing (like skills or technique) and the things you need to build (like strength or fitness). Focus on this list while you recover.
• Rest: Take a break from motocross for a bit. Get away from the bike and do something else to recharge your body and mind. This will help you come back even stronger.
• Study Film: Watch Supercross races with a purpose. Study the riders, their techniques, and how they handle different situations. This can help you improve when you’re ready to race again.

Staying Positive and Motivated

It’s easy to get down when you see other racers succeeding while you’re sitting on the sidelines. But don't stress about it! Everyone goes through challenges, and you’ll come back stronger in your own time. The most important thing is that you stay focused on your own recovery and keep building your motivation.

Plan Your Comeback

When you're ready, plan your return to racing. When will you start riding again? When do you want to race? Map out your comeback in detail. That will help keep you motivated and focused on the long-term goal.

Remember, injuries are part of the sport, but so is recovery. It’s all about toughness, not just physically but mentally. If you’ve made the decision to keep racing, then keep pushing forward, make a plan, and get back out there with confidence!