Injuries are a part of any sport, but it is the mindset of athletes that makes a difference. Significantly, former NBA player and champion Aron Baynes flirted with tragedy during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. What Aron Baynes went through in Tokyo is something extraordinary. Certainly, it just makes you appreciate life more, while seeking inspiration from Baynes.

During the Australian international basketball match against the Italians, Aron suffered an injury. And what transpired from there is beyond anyone’s belief. Baynes suffered a shock neck injury that almost derailed his career plans.

Aron Baynes opens up on the injury at Tokyo Olympics

As the game against Italy was proving to be a tight affair, Australian coach Brian Goorjian wanted him in. However, Baynes was not present on the bench at the moment. When the coaching staff set out to find him, they saw him on the floor, with blood all around his shirt. He had two puncture wounds on his upper arm that may have caused the injury.

Not able to walk, the paramedics took him to the hospital and found out that he had internal bleeding that put pressure on his spinal cord. Recalling the events that occurred then, he talks about feeling lonely, having no communication with his coaches and teammates.

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“The loneliest time in my life was laying in that hospital, going in and out of consciousness, going over my life plan and my goals and just crying,” said Baynes.

It was later noted that, during the warmup game against Nigeria at the Olympics, he slipped while dunking the ball and injured his neck. That may have been the cause of the injury further complicating. The Australians won their game against the Italians while his teammates came to check on him in the locker room. His teammate, Dellavedova, was stunned to see what happened as he recalls that moment now.

“We came into the locker room just wondering where Baynesie was at. He was in a bad way. At first it was like, ‘Can he play in the rest of the tournament?’ And then we were like, ‘Is he going to be OK?,'” said Dellavaodva.

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Road to recovery

Soon, Aron got back to his homeland for further treatment. Although there were early signs of paralysis, he fought through all adversities and began intense physical therapy. It included basic exercises to get him back to walking and other specified treatments. Understandably, to play once again in the NBA is something he looks forward to as he wishes to recover as soon as possible.

“I don’t know what the path will look like, but I’m going to give it one hell of a crack,” said Baynes.

Spine chilling story, indeed. But so much to learn from Aron Baynes, who stays determined on a return, come what may.

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