Jackson Strong set for FMX return after punctured lung

Australia’s ‘front-flipping’ FMX phenomenon Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong is set to return to riding next week, less than a month after the horrific crash he sustained at Dubai X-Fighters? — which you can watch here.

Strong was rushed to Dubai’s Rashid Hospital where he spent a week being treated for a punctured lung before doctors cleared him to fly home to Australia.??

Over the past three weeks the 19 year-old from Wagga Wagga has had to do nothing but rest, not an easy feat for someone who rarely sits still.

Strong will return to fitness training this week before hitting the ramps onboard his YZ250 later next week.??

“It was a costly mistake,” Strong said of the crash. “On an earlier jump, while doing a side-saddle lander I knocked the gear leaver into first (gear). I was preparing to the same jump and thought I had knocked it into first again.

“I clicked what I thought was second but was actually third and I didn’t realize I was in third gear until I was in the air and it was too late. I hit the ground hard and that scored me a free ride in a helicopter around Dubai.

“I punctured one of my lungs and badly bruised my foot which has kept me off my feet for the past few weeks,” he explained.?

The priority now for the Metal Mulisha rider is to ensure he is ready for X-Games where he will contest ‘Best Trick’.

“I will be doing fitness training over the next few days then back on the bike when my foot is healthy and strong again.??

“Once I’m back on the bike my sole focus will be learning front-flip variations in my foam pit in preparation for X-Games. I have done a lot of front-flips to dirt at home so now it is time to expand the trick,” Strong concluded.??

Strong’s first public appearance since the accident will see him visit Wagga Motors this Saturday between 12pm and 2.00pm.