Coquitlam cyclist Tory Nyhaug will be at the London 2012 Olympics.
His spleen won't.
The 20-year-old BMX star ruptured his spleen in May for the second time in less than two years and thus had the non-vital organ surgically removed - and still managed to get chosen for Team Canada earlier this month, one of a record-breaking 16 Canuck cyclists set to race in various disciplines at the Games.
Slotted fifth in the world rankings, Nyhaug has consistently been in Supercross finals over the last two seasons, establishing himself as a serious contender for Games hardware.
But it hasn't always looked that way as mishaps kept curbing his ability to train and race in anticipation of and preparation for England.
Nyhaug crashed in a practice session at the 2010 UCI World Championships and his season suddenly came to an end as he lost control of his bike and hit the ground hard. The diagnosis was not pretty: He suffered a ruptured spleen and was forced out of action for a considerable time.
Since his comeback from the first spleen injury, Nyhaug again enjoyed significant success on the global scene, finishing ninth at the 2011 World Championships, and stepping twice on to the Supercross podium in the time trials.
This year, the two-time reigning Canadian champion was enjoying a successful season when he crashed in the final race of the UCI Supercross event in Papendal, Netherlands, on May 13, the last Supercross before the worlds. The news was devastating for Nyhaug: He once again ruptured his spleen as well as suffering a fractured wrist and a slight concussion.
Amazingly, he's now back and raring to go.
"This has been the hardest and most painful month of my life, and I can only see a brighter future ahead," Nyhaug said in a press release.
"BMX is a dangerous sport and we all know the risks going in. I know after going through something like this, I can face serious challenges head on.
"I can't wait to represent Canada, both in London and for years to come."
The Olympics BMX event is spread over three days, starting with qualification on Aug. 8.
