In the first of our ‘Ambassador Focus’ series we sit down for a chat with Harry Kooros and come away feeling both moved and inspired.
The talented young cyclist was set for a big career in the sport with the prospect of ‘going pro’ a very realistic one.
But one day five years ago turned his life upside down. Out for a ride with some mates, Harry hit a pothole and was violently thrown from his bike.
He describes it as an “unlucky crash”. Despite numerous injuries including four fractured vertebrae, specialists said Harry was very lucky to not have been paralysed. In this frank and honest discussion Harry tells us about the lead up to his crash, his recovery, and finding motivation to get back in the saddle and ride again.
Bowral Classic: Harry, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you tell us a little bit more about your cycling background?
Harry Kooros: I took up cycling relatively late, probably in 2011 (when I was 13-14) when my uncle got me into some mountain bike racing. I really didn’t enjoy it to start with but something quickly changed and I began to love it. In 2012/13 I started competing in road cycling events and got hooked on it. I kind of switched from mountain biking because I enjoyed road cycling so much.
BC: At what age did you realise you had some serious talent in the sport?
HK: It was more that I realised I could have a lot of fun in the sport being the reason for me taking it more seriously; I was probably 15 and began travelling around to all the state races with some mates. These weekends away helped me get a lot of experience with cycling and seeing the highest end riders compete in the same races as me gave me the motivation to train harder and try to get to the level to be able to compete with them more seriously.
BC: You were out on training ride in Bowral and unfortunately came down. Can you tell us a little about that?
HK: After a very short time riding with JML Racing, with only a handful of races competed in, I had just gotten back from the Blayney to Bathurst cycling event when I was out on a regular training ride with a bunch of great mates.
On a stretch of road I hit a pothole at approximately 60kph. I came off the bike and landed on the left side of my head and was immediately knocked unconscious. I was rushed to Liverpool Hospital where I was put in an induced coma while the doctors assessed the damage.
I fractured vertebrae T6, T7 and T8 with T7 taking the most damage and losing 60% of its height. After leaving hospital some time later I was given a back brace to wear for three months. I then had to continue on with my HSC and try and get back on track with that. Although it seems like an unlucky crash, I was very lucky that my spinal cord remained relatively undamaged, meaning there was no paralysis.
I was told cycling was out of the picture for 12 months minimum (which later was shortened) so I decided to put it behind me and leave it for a later date. When the day finally came and I was able to ride again I was not hesitant just unmotivated and that led to me not riding for many more months.
BC: More than 2 years on – how are you feeling and are you back on the bike?
HK: It has been 18 months since my crash and I am feeling great! I am studying at university in Wollongong now and am loving life down here. It’s taken a lot of getting on and off the bike but I have finally decided to start riding again, whether it be for fun or serious is yet to be decided. I have had a lot of trouble getting motivated to get back into riding but I’m hoping that now I can get fit again and enjoy riding as much as I used to.
BC: What are your goals and aspirations so far as cycling goes?
HK: For now, I want to get back into cycling purely for the enjoyment side of it. I want to get fit and be able to ride with the friends I used to ride with without holding them back. Racing is not out of the picture but I plan to do it for the enjoyment and not take things too seriously.
BC: What’s your favourite climb and top place to ride?
HK: My favourite climb by far is Macquarie Pass in the Southern Highlands. My top place to ride would also have to be the Southern Highlands due to the variety of terrain and the beautiful scenery. I’m very lucky to call this place home.
BC: How did it feel to have the spectacle of the Bowral Classic in your home town?
HK: Having such a huge cycling event right on home roads was incredible. The atmosphere of the event was amazing and the ride was so well planned. Starting on the main street of my hometown was great and it was so good to see the whole community get behind such a large event. I had a fantastic day and I haven’t heard one negative comment about the ride and I can see it growing in the future and becoming even more popular.
The Bowral Classic has given me a lot of motivation towards getting back on the bike and doing some training and I hope that in the coming months I can get fit again and ride more and more.
BC: Harry Kooros, thanks for speaking with us. We wish you the very best in your continued recovery and hope to see you riding next year’s Bowral Classic event.
HK: Thank you for the opportunity, it has been a pleasure.
This interview can also be seen over at Bicycling Australia. Go check them out!
