22 February 2011

Following an MRI scan Steve Lewis (coach: Dan Pfaff) learnt that the hand injury, which occurred as a result of a snapped pole, during the Aviva Grand Prix, is a fracture of the Trapezium bone in his left hand.

The Trapezium wrist bone forms the joint at the base of the thumb that is essential in thumb movement and stability.  

Lewis will be in plaster for three weeks and will be closely monitored, he will have a CT scan in one week to ensure the fracture has not displaced.

He said: “I am gutted – things were really coming together and have put in so much good work over the winter – I had my best opening competition clearance of any season at the trials and was banking on building on that in Birmingham with the Paris European Indoors clearly on radar. 

“Now it is back to the drawing board with my plans   – but I remain positive as I can still train,  nothing that will cause any issues with the healing of the thumb, but I will work out a plan with Dan Pfaff, my coach, and keep my fitness levels up for when I can start to pole vault and run again. I was due to train in California for four weeks after the European Indoors, but this may change dependent on the need to see specialists.”

Lewis praised the speed and efficiency of the UKA medical team and the support from UKA’s Head Coach Charles Van Commenee:

“I am so grateful to the Charles Van Commenee and the UKA medical team – the speed with which I have been seen and way the system has worked for me has be amazing – I really can’t thank everyone enough and feel I am getting the best possible care and advice.”