Greetings, all Doug "Bubba" Sparks of Southern California, an M45 pole vaulter who also coaches women at a world-class level, has had a dreadful series of injuries. But Sparks, the bronze medalist at 1997 Durban WAVA in M40, is nothing if not positive and determined about returning to vault fitness.
He wrote about his latest surgery in a note he sent to dozens of friends. I think his positive/optimistic nature shines through even in the darkest of circumstances. He's an incredible role model for all of us who know in our hearts we can soar -- if only we could just get past these niggling injuries! Here's what Doug sent: Hello Friends and Happy Holidays! It was a beautiful Southern California morning today when I checked into the Orange Surgical Center to have the fascia once again stripped from my Achilles of my take-off foot. You remember that I had this done at the beginning of the summer and was pleased to learn that I had no tendon damage ... we thought!! Rehab went great and I was progressing nicely yet continued to experience odd and unexpected setbacks. Long story short, here's the deal: My tendon/calf situation was a horrible mess. I had a vertical split the entire length of the tendon and a couple of severe muscle tears. A combination of over 100 stitches and staples were used to repair the damage and close the 10" incision. Apparently I previously had a microtear that didn't show up on the MRI or under his goggles. That's why rehab went well UNTIL the intensity rose. Every encounter split it more. The doctor said it was the worst he has ever seen and it FELT like it as I was repeatedly injected to control the pain as the procedure was done under LOCAL. We thought it was only going to be a minor 45 minute stripping but it turned into a MAJOR 2.25 hour surgery. Operations this extensive are just not done under a local anesthetic and man did/does it hurt!! I should be 100% again but it could take as long as a year before I get to jump. HEY!! AT LEAST I DO GET TO VAULT AGAIN!!! YAHOOOOO!! Even better, I turn 50 in 2003 in time for our next world championships so I will be the youngest in my group!! Just wanted to share my great Christmas present with you all. Have fun and kick butt this season!! Doug Sparks STAR Therapy Companies Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano & Irvine 949/595-8635 949/759-8135 - FAX [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------ Me again: Doug often shows up at masters meets to coach and cheer everyone. Now''s a good time for us in the masters realm to send him some cheer as well. Ken Stone http://www.masterstrack.com P.S. For more on Bubba, see his thrilling/hilarious Durba Diary at: http://members.aol.com/track2ceo/bubba.html
