Land Rover G4 Challenge International Selection

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Injury Forces Retirement

01.02.2006

It was a bitterly disappointing day for German finalist Heidrun Kuhlmann, who suffered a painful injury that forced her to withdraw from the Land Rover G4 Challenge International Selections.

As she climbed into her kayak on the lake in front of Eastnor Castle, the 36-year-old consultant slipped and lost control over her kayak. A desperate grab onto the bank caused the painful dislocation of her left shoulder.

She was immediately treated by the Challenge doctors and taken to a local hospital. Although they repositioned the shoulder joint, it was decided it was not safe for her to continue with International Selections.

‘It would have been incredibly uncomfortable sleeping on hard ground in the cold weather,’ said Event Medical Director, Mike Irani. ‘And many of the challenges would be physically too risky.

‘Even without the hospital decision I would have stopped her competing further. The competitors are so charged-up and motivated that they would ignore their bodies and push on through the pain.\'

‘Even if they’re disappointed at the time, they always thank me afterwards. I have to be firm. There is life after the Challenge but at the moment nothing else matters to them.’

Fellow team member Robert Josef Schweiger said ‘It’s very sad for Heidrun and it’s very disappointing for the team.’

When asked about Heidrun\'s retirement increasing the chances of the remaining two German competitors, he said ‘I’m not thinking about being selected. I just want to enjoy the week, I don’t want the pressure.’See All Event Posts