The British Power Boat Champion says she may not return to racing
The British Power Boat Champion Shelley Jory (now Jory-Leigh) says that she is considering giving up the sport after having two serious crashes in the last two months.
Jory-Leigh was injured during testing in Sardinia last weekend when the bow of her boat shattered after she came awkwardly off a wave.
She suffered head injuries and a broken nose and her co-driver Patrick Huybreghts also had head injuries and a dislocated shoulder.
She has now returned to the UK for further treatment and is not convinced she will return to racing.
It is the second major crash Jory-Leigh has suffered in five weeks after her boat was hit by a large wave during the final of the Malta Grand Prix.
Recommended videos for you
Watch the video“This incident, coming so soon after Malta has made me reflect on my life as a powerboat racer and the dangers involved,” she told BBC News.
“Although I take every precaution and train as hard as I can for each race nothing can prepare you for the feeling when you face real danger and life-threatening conditions. This incident has made me really appreciate my life, my family and perhaps the world outside power boating.
“It may be a long time before I get back into a competitive power boat. I have known what it is to win a British championship and perhaps that’s enough.”
Shelley will be interviewed on BBC South Today at 6.30pm tonight (Thursday 15 July 2010).
