Cyclist Amy Pieters has taken her first steps since a horrific crash left her in an induced coma. The three-time Madison world champion, was involved in a devastating crash while she trained in Spain last December.
Following the accident, Pieters was airlifted to hospital in Alicante where she underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically-induced coma, aimed to relieve pressure on her brain
Four months after regaining consciousness, she moved her rehab treatment to the Daan Theeuwes Centre in Woerden, Netherlands - a facility that specialises in treating young people with severe acquired brain injuries. And just six months after coming out of the coma, fans have received a positive update about the 31-year-old's condition.
In an update uploaded to her website, Pieters is said to be able to "walk for short moments when supported" but could not yet talk. "Lately, it's been a little more difficult to motivate Amy with physical exercises," the statement read.
"Talking is not yet possible, which makes it difficult to explain herself. Not being able to explain or express herself is sometimes a bit difficult for her and also for us. Fortunately, she can be motivated by playing a game. We take it for granted that she chooses her own moment. And that moment comes because suddenly she is standing!
"With a little help, she gets up from her chair and takes her own steps. She walks for short moments when supported. This is what we like to see. Amy sets the pace. There are days when she doesn't want to show this again, and then there comes another day when she wants to stand, starts walking, and immediately makes a serious effort."
The 31-year-old has even been able to cycle along on a side-by-side tandem bike, but has experienced some moments of panic throughout her recovery. Her team remains hopeful that Pieters will continue to make strides towards a full bill of health once again.
“There are also moments of panic. Everything seems to be going a little better and then suddenly we are again confronted with the facts,” the statement continued. “Amy had an epileptic seizure. Ambulance at the door and panic everywhere. The last time Amy had an epileptic seizure, she had a massive relapse.
“Probably by acting well and quickly and letting her sleep for a long time, Amy has no further serious consequences, apart from a considerable fatigue. Thank god. What she shows then is the conviction that Amy will be able to walk again! Amy’s tiny steps are already turning into real steps. What a progression!
“We must have patience and hope. We are convinced that Amy will show us some very beautiful things.” Prior to her horrific accident in 2021, Pieters had enjoyed a terrific year.
She became the Madison world champion on the track, alongside Kirsten Wild, for the third consecutive year and won stage two of the Women's Tour on the road, while also winning the Dutch national road race and Nokere Koerse earlier in the year.
