Recovery is going well
Hi All-
I thought it was necessary to do another update and answer a few of the questions out there that I have seen brought up by people on YouTube, Ski Racing magazine and on. First off, an update on how I am doing.
Generally, I am doing really well. I am at home after spending some time in Park City being looked at by some doctors and generally being under observation. I have been restricted to “taking it easy” but I have spent the time catching up with a lot of friends, answering a lot of emails and calls and even going to a Sonics game with my old coach, Alan Lauba. Sonics broke a horrible losing streak in that game by winning in the last few seconds, by the way.
I wanted to clear up a few issues that I have seen out there. The first one is “the POC helmet”. I have read things online and even comment in Ski Racing questioning the performance of my helmet during that crash.
I know for a fact that that helmet saved my life. POC engineers put out one of the (if not THE) safest helmets you can use in ski racing. The helmet did what it was supposed to - absorb as much of the massive impact before that energy reached my head. The hard outer shell of the helmet cracked because it was designed to do so, further absorbing the energy of the crash. It was unfortunate that it cracked enough that the part holding the chin strap (which did not come undone as some have assumed) came apart. At that point, the big impact was over and I was already on the ground. Even so, I would have rather had the absorbing properties of the helmet when it was on for the initial impact than have a “more durable” helmet that would pass along a harder impact to my skull. The slight wear and tear on my face will be gone in a matter of weeks. It is my understanding that POC is working right now to improve the way that the helmet’s chin strap is attached to the helmet in next generation (so that it can absorb as much impact and still stay on the head under extreme conditions.) My final point on this matter: It was estimated that I hit with about 14-16 times as much force as the helmet companies are required to test at. I am just happy that a company like POC seeks to maximize the overall impact safety of their helmets.
A disclaimer: While I am sponsored by POC helmets, they don’t pay me enough to lie or toy with my own safety. As for other comments on YouTube… I am, in fact, not dead.
Moving on… I am pretty proud of Marco Sullivan winning his first World Cup last week! Well Played Marco and congrats on the first win! I understand the team is back in action in Val d’Isere on a tough course that hasn’t been run since 1992. Word from the trenches is that it has awkward rhythm and is very controlled. That is about it from me right now. Thanks again to all the people that have contacted me with their well wishes… I am working on getting back to everyone.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hi Scott,
Glad your up and about and still able to construct sentences, probably more than the majority of my friends can manage. Have been keeping my fingers crossed for you, and hope your able to get back to racing soon. Haven’t managed to watch ski sunday since though, and am glad I bought a helmet last year. Not that at the snail pace i travel at its likely to make much difference.
Best wishes for a speedy recover.
Rachael (Belfast)
February 1st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
holy s..t! that was tense. I always knew you were better than all of us. you were the smoothest j3 in the pnsa for sure. little did i know that it also included a talent for surviving horrendous life-threatening diggers. nice work! glad to see you still have all your faculties. look a brother up while your stuck on the couch. im less than 5 miles from said couch.
chipW MRST class of 96
February 1st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
btw. its teddancin@gmail dot com
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 am
First of all, for everyone who’s contacted you, know that there are many, many more who are SO relieved (and incredulous) that you’re alive and doing well but wouldn’t know how to contact you or presume to impose. (Not me: I just assume everyone wants to know what I think, especially injured racers with nothing better to do but lay around and read blog responses.)
It may be time to replace my aging helmet with a POC. It amazes me how few people know that helmets are supposed to sacrifice themselves to save their contents. For every person I’ve heard say “good thing his helmet broke,” I’ve probably heard 5 others say “too bad his helmet broke.” A crash like your’s just presents so many opportunities to inform people! But no more helmet demonstrations for you!
Rest easy, there’s always another race, no need to hurry back too quickly.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
you know when something like this happens that there are going to be 1000 versions that people will say…i personaly don`t care about the helmet,i`m just happy that you are fine and that is it for me!!!rest easy,and come back whenever you are ready!you know we`ll be watching!!!!!!!!xxxo
February 4th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Hey Scott! Good to hear that your recovery is going well!! I’m very happy about this!! I also think, that your helmet saved your life! I think our lifes are fated, so I’m sure you will always celebrate your birthday as a rebirthday!
So chill out now and rest, I’m sure you’ll come back soon!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your further recovery!!
Greets
February 5th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Mr Macartney! Mrs Macartney here, of Laconner, WA, aka: your aunt.
Well, so far i have my entire email list (400), a couple of churches, and anyone else I can think of who is into this, praying for your full recovery. You are a remarkable young man, a fantastic skier (congrats on your bronze medal, btw), and a miracle! Kudos and thanks to the helmet designers.
Stay positive, rest well and thouroughly, and fell the northern macartneys’ love and care.
big hug,
Elke and the guys
February 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hey Scot! We’re glad to hear that you are doing well and your spirit must have brought the Sonics some good luck! I know it must be hard for you to relive the crash and we appreciate you coming out and discussing it in detail! Good luck recovering and we hope to hear from you soon!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Scott, THAT WAS A CRAZY CRASH! I hope you recover quickly.