The American triathlete Andrew Starykowicz has today revealed that he spent time in detention following his incident with a British volunteer at the Abu Dhabi triathlon.

Starykowicz has written about his ‘absolute nightmare’ following the incident, which left Ms Carly Williams in intensive care and the athlete with serious shoulder injuries and subsequent legal problems.

Starykowicz has written in his blog:

Most you that are reading this may wonder why I have not posted on my blog for several months.  My life since March 3rd has been an absolute nightmare.  Late into Abu Dhabi Triathlon I had built a sizable lead when an aid station volunteer darted across the road in front of me to collect bottles.  We made heavy contact that sent both of us to the hospital.  I attempted to finish, but had to withdraw from the race holding a commanding lead in T2.

The next day I was brought to the police station for questioning and thrown in prison for the “hit and run” incident during the race.  Over the next month I would go in front of the prosecutor several times trying to get out of the Emirates and each time he would request something different.  During this time I was unable to get adequate medical attention to fix my injuries.  Finally, a “deal” was made that if I posted a substantial amount of money for a blood money bond I could get my passport and leave the country.  I took out a loan, had the money wired over to Abu Dhabi, and was on the next plane home.

Since returning home I learned that I had a broken collar bone, serious nerve damage and pushed the head of my right humerus through the labrum which required surgery.  The aid station volunteer is back in England and from the information I have been given, is expected to make a full recovery.

The prosecutor claimed that he would release the blood money bond when the volunteer left the hospital.  Yet, the prosecutor continues to change the process and has refused to release my bond.  I appreciate the support from Orbea, Gu, friends, family, and many of my fellow triathletes who reached out and supported me during this time.