Mini O’s | Canadian Injuries Update

Mini O’s | Canadian Injuries Update

By Billy Rainford

Going to one of these huge American Amateur Nationals is a big a deal. In fact, some would argue there’s more pressure and stiffer competition at these than at a Pro National! Just getting through the week at the Thor Winter Olympics –The Mini O’s — is a fete in itself.

The schedule starts on the Supercross track and makes its way over to the Motocross track for the remainder of the week’s racing. It’s a pretty grueling schedule for these amateur riders.

We had a good group of Canadians who made the trip south to compete this year. Unfortunately, not all of them got through it unscathed. Here’s a brief look at what happened to some of the riders who fell victim to the Gatorback tracks.

#110 Emma Saarella

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In a classic, “Ya, well you should see how bad the other guy’s hands look!” moment, this is the result of the first lap crash that has left #110 @emmasaarela110 with a broken humerus. Get well soon, Emma. And to think you still thought you were going to race Saturday after this! . . . . #mx #motocross #wmx @cdnwmx @unlimitedsportsmx #howbadisitdoc #isitridable 📸🌊

A post shared by DIRECT MOTOCROSS (@directmotocross) on Nov 27, 2018 at 7:41am PST

#33 Sam Matthews

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Just spoke with the #33 @sammatthews33 camp and they said he’s batter and bruised but that all his wounds will heal just fine. It was Sam’s first trip to the #minios and it just proves how impressive good results are at these big amateur events. You lose every race you don’t line up for, Sam. Heal up and we’ll see you soon. . . . . #mx #motocross @unlimitedsportsmx @ktm_canada @foxracingcanada @oakleymotorsports 📸🌊

A post shared by DIRECT MOTOCROSS (@directmotocross) on Nov 27, 2018 at 7:54am PST

#343 Max Filipek

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Another Canadian whose week was cut short is #343 @maxfilipek He planted his leg in the roller section and knew immediately he’d tweaked his already ACL-less knee in the process. When I got there he’d stopped yelling in pain, but he still had to take a ride with the medics and left his bike leaning against the fence. Tough break, Max. You too, heal up and we’ll see you soon. . . . . #mx #motocross @unlimitedsportsmx @ktm_canada @fxrmoto @ogs_optics @6dhelmets 📸🌊

A post shared by DIRECT MOTOCROSS (@directmotocross) on Nov 27, 2018 at 8:04am PST

#474 Hunter Vaughan hurt his arm but was able to continue racing. #53 Bjorn Viney had a scary crash in the roller section and landed hard on his head. He was able to keep going, though. #20 Jeremy McKie crashed and damaged his bike too badly to continue the week.