Darcy Ward update

The speedway world is rallying around Queenslander Darcy Ward after a big crash in Poland on August 23 which has left him without feeling in his lower body.

The 23-year-old two-time world under 21 champion, who just returned to racing in June after a suspension for testing positive to alcohol at a world championship round in 2014, was thrown awkwardly from his machine while racing for Zielona Gora in the Polish domestic league. He landed on the back of his neck after catching an opponent's back wheel in heat 15.

Following a two-and-a-half-hour operation in Zielona Gora, his condition is stable and according to team doctor Robert Zapotoczny his condition has improved since Monday. Aussie team manager Mark Lemon has also confirmed he is stable enough to be flown to the UK on a private medical flight. Zapotoczny says the transfer should take place any time now.

But Zapotoczny was unable to offer any further details on Ward’s condition after his family asked for this to remain private. The doctor said: “First of all, I spoke to Darcy yesterday and his closest family too — I mean his father, who arrived yesterday.

“His father gave no permission to reveal any specific information. George Ward asked me for forbearance because of the family’s pain.

“The condition of Darcy is better than on Monday. His mental condition especially is better and he doesn’t need so much pain relief right now. Davey Watt and Chris Holder are constantly by his side to support him, so Darcy is even able to smile sometimes.

Zapotoczny says doctors should get a greater idea of Ward’s prognosis in the coming months. He said: “The case is difficult, but there is a glimmer of hope. Hope you cannot take from anybody. Now Darcy faces a very, very intensive process of rehabilitation; psychologically and physically.”

It is hoped Ward could be moved to a clinic within easy reach of his Dorset base, meaning his support network of friends, family and fellow riders will be able to help him through his recovery.

Zapotoczny added: “England was chosen as a place of further treatment because we came to the conclusion that psychological rehabilitation will be the most important thing at the moment.

“It will be better to conduct this in an English-speaking country. Psychological care is difficult, so the patient has to receive this in his mother tongue.

“One of the clinics is located not far from his UK house. He could be surrounded by family and his closest friends. Also the other riders live nearby.”

Meantime Lemon has joined forces with Monster Energy's Joe Parsons to liaise with world-renowned spinal injury foundation Wings for Life, who are based in Salzburg, in a bid to seek the best care possible for the Queensland icon.

“We have been working with the Wings for Life people since Monday morning,” Lemon said. “They have been very helpful and have a lot of knowledge of the most highly-regarded medicine.

“We’ve tried to get some help for Darcy, so we’re liaising with them. Wings for Life deal with elite sportsmen and some ground-breaking research has gone into spinal injuries.

“That was our first port of call and they have been very good. Everyone is working together for the best possible outcome.”

Lemon admits Ward’s plight brings home the dark reality of the dangers speedway riders face on a nightly basis. And he’s gutted to see what has been a sensational run of form for the Swindon, Piraterna and Zielona Gora rider halted in such tragic circumstances.

He said: “You know speedway is dangerous and we all live in a bit of denial sometimes. The harsh reality can bite you in the backside. You just don’t think it’s ever going to happen and you wish it never had happened, but these things do happen unfortunately. It’s sad; really sad.

“Sometimes you have to put into perspective the value of life. Darcy has that and he hasn’t hurt his head. He is aware of everything that is going on.

“He has had some tough times in his career and it looked like he had come back stronger than ever, focused and professional. This is a big blow for him and the sport of speedway. The kid is box office and puts bums on seats. It’s a tough time at the moment, but everyone has to remain strong and what will be, we'll have to wait and see.”

In addition to his spinal woes, Ward also underwent a wrist operation on Tuesday.