Burnham-On-Sea BMX star Liam Phillips has made an emotional statement after a dramatic crash ended his Rio Olympics dream on Thursday evening in the men’s BMX quarter-finals.
Liam, 27, got off to a great start after taking the lead in the first race of the quarter final, but then he collided with Latvia’s Maris Strombergs, the two-time defending champion, and Switzerland’s David Graf, just after the first bend of the track.
Having been released from hospital today, Liam posted a social media message to express his disappointment and to thank his coaches and girlfriend.
He said: “I’m not even going to try and sum up how I feel right now. I’m beyond devastated and will be for some time I’m sure.”
He added: “62 days ago, I smashed my left collarbone into five pieces. With the help of an unbelievable group of people and some pretty hard yards, I got onto the start gate in the best shape possible yesterday.”
“It wasn’t the fairy tale ending I’d hoped for (far from it) but that small group of people gave me the opportunity to give it a go.”
“That group includes some pretty special humans who I’m thankful to have in my corner. Thank you to Mr Adam Watts for operating on me at the drop of a hat. British Cycling staff Dr Richard Freeman, physios Phil, Hannah and Heather, S&C Martin, Joffy, Ruth, and of course the man that pulls it all together, my coach Grant.”
“But my biggest thank you is to my girlfriend who put my head back on when it fell off. I couldn’t believe I was having surgery prior to the Olympics again. It wasn’t an easy few weeks. She did everything to make sure every box was ticked and I could get back on the bike ASAP to prepare for these Olympics Games.”
