We have a story that is both frightening and uplifting from 7News Brisbane on how a friendship was forged after a harrowing crash during the Changwon International Grand Prix in March.
Brisbane’s Baily Cunningham had a late start to the race and was trying to catch up when he saw a horrific incident take place. A big yellow ski went airborne with the rider flying above it.
Cunningham witnessed both the rider and the jet ski come crashing down into the water. The watercraft had been traveling about 75mph and Cunningham knew it was likely the rider suffered critical injuries on impact.
Cunningham made the heroic decision to bail his ski and swim to the injured rider. Floating face down, was his teammate, Christian Cagnard. Cunningham and other nearby riders quickly loaded an unconscious Cagnard onto the back of a jet ski.
Cunningham was relieved when Cagnard regained consciousness about halfway back to shore and started complaining about losing a shoe! Cagnard suffered 8 broken ribs, a fractured eyesocket, and fluid on his lungs.
Cunninghams’s quick actions saved Cagnard from further injuries and probably death. In August, Cagnard invited Cunningham to his hometown in Sweden so he could be awarded for his bravery in saving his life. Cunningham received a beautiful plaque and the Hero of the Year Award from Cagnard’s Jetski club. A humble Cunningham said he won’t let the crash stop him racing and said he was looking forward to racing the following weekend. Kudos to an awesome human!
