At only 12 years of age, Colt Golembeski is already an accomplished motocross racer. Colt has traveled around the country competing in motocross competitions and was recognized in 2019 as the fourth athlete in the nation in his age group at the 38th annual Amateur National Motocross Championship.
In January 2020, Colt went from being at the top of his game to enduring a devastating injury at a moment's notice. During a training event in Georgia, Colt jumped off the side of his motorcycle and felt his knee pop. He had torn his ACL.
Colt and his family were heartbroken. For a child of his age, a knee injury can be devastating and possibly limit his ability to compete in his sport. What's more, because Colt is so young, a knee surgery of this kind was risky because of the impact it could have on his growth plates.
Colt's Dad, Brian, did an extensive amount of research to find a surgeon that could care for his son. He met with many doctors and institutions, but says he was struck by Dr. Craig Spurdle' s experience in pediatric sports injuries.
Dr. Spurdle is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specialized in sports injuries and the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. He has performed more than 1500 pediatric knee surgeries, a statistic that Brian felt was important for his growing son.
Within two weeks, Colt had knee surgery to repair his ACL. He then underwent six months of rehabilitation.
Colt was able to ride his bike again for the first time in August, seven months after surgery, and hopes to jump back in to motocross competitions very soon.
Colt says what motivated him throughout his entire medical journey was the thought of doing what he loves most, getting back on the bike and competing, and thanks to that motivation, he is doing just that.
Colt's message for other young athletes: You have to believe that you will be back. Listen to your doctor and never give up!
