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Freestyle motocross rider “Scary” Mary Perkins is back on her feet, six months after the horror crash that saw her nearly lose a leg.
But the 26-year-old, who was ranked the top female stunt rider in the world, is giving up her sport, as another crash would almost certainly see her lose one or both legs.
“I’m currently saying I’m not going to risk it. It’s too important to have my legs on,” Miss Perkins told.
“I know there’s more to life than bikes. The scary part is, if I damage it again, I’m quite likely to definitely lose it this time.”
The Te Puke woman broke both legs and dislocated an ankle in the December accident, when she dropped six metres off a ramp while practising moves on her bike. The crash left her facing an 80 per cent chance her left leg would have to be amputated.
It’s been six months of hard graft to get where she is today. Miss Perkins spent a month in hospital, four months in a wheelchair, and eight weeks on crutches before finally taking her first steps three weeks ago.
The speed of her recovery has surprised doctors, who prepared her to expect more surgery and an artificial joint.
Perkins has come to terms with the end of her motocross career, but plans to stay involved with the sport with her business Encounter FMX, organising stunt shows for events and doing commentary.
“It definitely is the end of something. My whole identity has been’Scary Mary’, although I don’t like that.”
“I’m going to to do motocross camps offering life skills to kids through the sport. That’s kind of my goal ahead, through our shows and events. I want to influence young people, that’s my big thing.”
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