“Head Has Hit the Bottom of the Ocean”: 45-Year-Old Olympic Gold Medalist Left Traumatized by a Horrifying Surfing Accident

She was only 26 years old when Australian swimmer Brooke Hanson won the gold medal for her country in the 4*100 meter medley relay at the 2004 Sydney Olympics. The swimmer, for whom water is like a second home, could’ve barely imagined then, the dreadful fate that awaited her nearly two decades later. Recently after she suffered a scary ordeal while surfing, Hanson feared that this could have everlasting effects on her.

Brooke Hanson went through a horrific injury while surfing, that could’ve nearly killed her. But thanks to a few good samaritans, she is alive and can see the light of day with a fresh perspective on life. Here’s what happened with Hanson that was almost fatal for her.

Surfing enthusiast and Olympic swimmer survives a close call with the waves

“I’ve come off my board and my head has hit the bottom of the ocean”, recalled Brooke Hanson as she spoke to 7news.com.au. Hanson, a lifelong swimmer, went surfing in Coffs Harbour, on the north coast of New South Wales. While she has braved large waves before as well, the brunt of the waves this time was a little too much. Talking about her ordeal, she continued, “I took that leg rope off, laid on my back, and just yelled ‘Help’”.

Hanson didn’t know if she was getting any help from any corner. But much to her blessing, her husband Jared Clarke, a firefighter and surf live saver, reached there, scooped Hanson up on the board, and took the brunt of the waves himself. Also present among her rescuers were a trauma surgeon, a retired paramedic, a carpenter, etc. Hanson escaped from the clutches of something more devastating.

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Despite that Hanson didn’t come out of the water unscathed. She suffered multiple spine fractures in her C3 and C4 vertebrae and an anterior ligament tear.

Brooke Hanson is taking immense courage from this incident

Hanson feared the same during those horrific moments in the water. She said, “Everything was going through my head. Would I walk again? Have I damaged my spine? I was just… yeah, I was really freaking out”. However, despite all the injuries that ended up with her at the hospital in a neck brace, Hanson couldn’t feel more grateful for all the kind souls who saved her life. She said, “A big heartfelt thanks to those incredible humans who were first on the scene after my surfing incident”.

Hanson is still in recovery at her home, resting till she completely heals. She was initially taken to the Coffs Harbour Hospital for initial treatment. Then, under the expert guidance of neurosurgeons at John Hunter Hospital, Hanson could sense that she would heal completely. Hanson feels lucky to be alive but has no plans to stay off the water for long periods of time.

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