Sarah Matthews of winning Veloroos RAAM team critically injured in freak training accident

Australian endurance athlete Sarah Matthews is in an induced coma in a Sydney hospital following a freak training accident on Monday night. Matthews, who six weeks ago was part of the four-member Veloroo team that won Race Across America (RAAM) in the four-women under 50 age group category with a record-breaking time, was running across ANZAC Bridge in Sydney on Monday evening when she collided with a cyclist travelling in the opposite direction.

Matthews sustained a significant head trauma in the collision, and she is currently in a medically induced coma at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she is receiving around-the-clock care from a team of dedicated, world-leading specialists.

The Coogee Triathlon Club Member has represented Australia in the Triathlon World Championships in the past. Her run on Monday was part of her training for the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in Austria later this month. She was set to compete alongside Veloroos teammate Julie-Anne Hazlett.

“It too early to speculate and we are unable to provide any additional information,” said Veloroos spokesperson, Troy Grice. “Please understand this is a very difficult time for everyone, especially her family. If this could be respected, it would be greatly appreciated. “

“We appreciate everyone’s support of Sarah and The Veloroos,” Grice added. “We look forward to her quick recovery.”

Grice invites support for Matthews to be directed to info@theveloroos.com or The Veloroos Facebook page.