Swimmer suffers whiplash
A Jersey swimmer who was to participate in the Island Games has been forced to withdraw after suffering from a whiplash injury as a result of a car accident, it has been revealed.
Simon Le Couilliard, 21, an AIB Tigers swimmer, had been driving in Australia when he suffered from a number of personal injuries after being struck by another vehicle.
The swimmer had suffered from cracked ribs, bruising and whiplash injuries.
As a result, he had no choice but to pull out from the Aland games.
He said: "All my training was focussed on Aland but after the crash I just can't train enough to make it worthwhile.
I am going to train now for the Queensland State titles which are in December and I hope that I can be fit and ready to post a Commonwealth qualifying time there."
Nathan Jegou, head coach of the team stated that he had been disappointed with the decision.
He said “With his experience Simon was a major medal hope in Aland, this will certainly affect our chances in the relays.
But saying that, it does now open the door for some of the younger swimmers to take a step up."
It is unknown whether Couilliard will file a no win no fee compensation claim against the other driver.
Updated on 01/04/2009