Thumbs up from Victoria Williamson as father provides updates on recovery

British track sprinter Victoria Williamson continues her recovery from a crash in Rotterdam, with her father Mark allaying paralysis fears

Victoria Williamson (Photo: Twitter/@mpwill64)

British track cyclist Victoria Williamson gave a double thumbs-up from her hospital bed, having fractured her pelvis, ribs and several vertebrae in a crash at the Rotterdam Six Day.

Williamson's crash with Dutch rider Elis Ligtlee was so serious that organisers cancelled the remainder of the events on Saturday night.

Her father Mark tweeted a picture of the sprinter giving the thumbs up and told the Eastern Daily Press that while his daughter's chances of competing in the Rio Olympics have suffered a significant blow it is a relief that she will likely recover fully from the injuries.

“It’s certainly done her prospects no good but there’s no timeframe on the recovery period yet," he said. “They need a correct diagnosis but it’s not looking good.

“I’ve heard it can take 12 to 16 weeks for a cracked pelvis, but I’m more concerned about her neck injuries.

“Fortunately her legs are moving so there’s no paralysis, but we were worried for a while there,” he said.

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Ligtlee was also taken to hospital but was released after being checked for injuries.

Williamson secured a bronze medal in the team sprint at the 2013 World Championships, partnered with Becky James.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.