Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a road accident that has left elite long distance runner Russell Dessaix-Chin hospitalised since Saturday.
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Mr Dessaix-Chin was riding a push bike on the corner of Springhill Road and Keira Street about 8.20am when he collided with a car.
The accident came 3 years after Tarrawanna triathlete Mark Scott, a good friend of Mr Dessaix-Chin’s, was involved in a horrific collision with a car while riding his bike at Primbee. Mr Scott was hospitalised with a serious brain injury and has never recovered.
Mr Dessaix-Chin was a committee member for the Move for Mark fundraiser event held after his friend’s accident.
On Saturday he was rushed to Wollongong Hospital with a broken arm, serious facial injuries and potentially other broken bones.
He was later flown to St George Hospital to undergo microsurgery on his face.
Late Tuesday, a family spokesman told the Mercury Mr Dessaix-Chin was in a stable condition.
‘‘He’s recovering well following his surgery,’’ he said.
Neil Barnett, president of Kembla Joggers, said the thoughts of club members were with Mr Dessaix-Chin and his family.
‘‘It’s a shocking accident and we all hope Russell recovers very quickly,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s a really tough and gritty character and if anyone’s going to bounce back quickly, he’s the one.’’
Wollongong Police have yet to speak to Mr Dessaix-Chin about the accident.