Gerike Schreurs reportedly suffered a serious fall during the Gravel World Championships in Australia more than a month ago while pursuing her goal of winning the world title. She broke eight vertebrae, her collarbone and several ribs, and underwent several surgeries after spending 11 days in an Australian hospital. The 37-year-old cyclist has since returned to the Netherlands, but her recovery is expected to take a long time.

She said she had felt stronger than ever before the race, both mentally and physically. The injury left her confronting fear, helplessness and vulnerability, while people around her helped her through the aftermath.