A professional BMX rider is in hospital with serious injuries after a horrific crash at a competition in Estonia.
Alex Hiam, 29, was starting his second qualifying run at the Simple Session event on Saturday when he suddenly went over the handlebars.
The Brisbane man slammed head-first into the concrete at the bottom of a ramp, leaving him motionless in a ‘fencing pose’ to the shock of attendees.
The event was called off for the day as Mr Hiam was rushed to hospital with injuries to his brain, lungs, shoulder and ankle, according to a fellow BMX rider.
His family has started a GoFundMe to help cover his ICU medical bills and to support his return home once he is released.
They confirmed that Mr Hiam’s condition has improved to stable, but he will continue to be monitored by doctors.
‘Alex has always poured his heart into the sport he loves, whether competing or coaching, he shares the joy and escape BMX offers,’ the fundraiser reads.
‘The prognosis for his recovery is positive’.
Professional Australian BMX rider, Alex Hiam (pictured), is in the ICU of an Estonian hospital with serious injuries after a horrifying crash at a BMX event
‘Once the doctors have cleared Alex and will allow us, we would like to get a family member or friend to assist him with returning to Australia,’ they said
‘We’re asking for your support to cover his medical expenses, accommodation in Estonia, and the costs to bring a family member from Australia to be with him.
‘Let’s ensure Alex doesn’t face this challenge alone.’
Those who witnessed the accident said it was ‘horrible to watch’.
‘I have my fingers crossed for you and want you to come out of this very well,’ one friend said.
‘Hope you have a full fast recovery mate, hoping the best for you always,’ a second added.
Mr Hiam posted a video of himself warming up for the event on Instagram just a day before the crash with the caption: ‘I am so thankful to be here’.
His Instagram also features a video from weeks before the event, where he luckily walked away from a bad crash at a skate park in Australia.
The footage shows Mr Hiam falling backwards after performing a tough trick and clamming the back of his head against the concrete.
‘Glad I am okay after this one. Cheers to my helmet,’ he wrote.
Mr Hiam sustained injuries to his brain, lungs, shoulder and ankle after falling head-first onto concrete during his second qualifying run at the Simple Sessions ‘park’ event on Saturday
The Aussie once ranked as high as 26th in the world for ‘park’ BMX and is sponsored by the major streetwear brand Vans.