Youri Zoon has had to persist through torturous pain to make a comeback stronger than ever to the PKRA season this year.
The Brunotti sponsored rider has bounced back stronger than ever to gain respectful placing in comps so far this year: 2nd in freestyle in France and a first in best trick.
Youri has snapped ligaments in left knee twice in competition, with the most heartbreaking injury occurring during the 2007 season when he forfeited his second place in the rankings because of injury. He snapped his knee ligament again in the beginning of 2008.
He’s had to go through painful rehab to return to competition three times, which is
extraordinary considering he is just 19.
This time getting back out on the water was his motivation.
``I just did a lot of physio, gym training and kept my mind on kiting,’’ he said.
``Rehab was like hell. I am quit lazy for those things but I had a goal to return to the
tour so that provided my motivation to train my arse off and come back strong.’’
The results so far this season speak for themselves and Youri says he’s kiting better
than before his horror injury run.
``I am riding not only better on the water but psychically this accident has forced me to
strengthen my body,’’ he said.
``Now I think more about landings and tricks before I do them because I am aware of the
consequences so I am better prepared mentally and physically to try new tricks.
``Its working.’’
He’s advice to all kiters is:
``Success doesn’t come to you, you need to go out and get it by training your arse off and keeping your body in shape,’’ he said. |
