There’s the career-ending crash—the one that brings a sports career to a close. Take, for example, the crashes that Paul Basagoitia and Adolf Silva both suffered at Red Bull Rampage. Gee Atherton has already survived several such horrific crashes with serious consequences, in 2021 during a film shoot, in 2023 at Red Bull Rampage, and in August 2026, again during a film shoot.

It was quite difficult to rescue him from the scene of the accident, he said in August, without giving any details. At the Bolivian hospital, he was found to have several broken bones – In Atherton’s own words: “Fortunately, all below the hip”—were treated with external fixators. He was then transferred back home, where he underwent a series of surgeries.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gee Atherton (@gee_atherton)

From a wheelchair to crutches after two months

Two months after the accident, Gee announced that he had left the wheelchair behind and could bear his full weight on his legs. However, he still needs crutches to move around. He also talks about simply doing what his body allows and that he wants to trick it into thinking it’s a normal day. Another week later, he posts a video in which he is seen on two wheels again for the first time—on the Gym exercise bike.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gee Atherton (@gee_atherton)

It remains to be seen whether he’ll be back to his old self, or if and how intensely he’ll be able to ride a mountain bike after this recovery process. He hasn’t commented on the matter himself. One thing that might work in his favor: He has experience with long-term recovery. It took him 15 months to feel physically and mentally fit again after his 2021 crash. A good year later, he suffered another serious injury at Red Bull Rampage.

And now, at age 40, another brutal blow. The question is, what will the Scot make of all this? Some hope he’ll call it quits and stop pushing the limits. The petition urging him to do so has gained a few more signatures following his latest accident. He himself isn’t giving anything away. One thing is certain: For the next few months, the only news from Gee will be about his rehab.