Yoko writes:

I’m really sorry that I have to write about my accident at the
worlds on July 17th (Task 3).

On that day, I was lucky to get an early bird launch position. But the
place was in the third lane. It’s difficult to bring the glider and take off
for a woman. But it was ok, and I could take off as the last one, because I took
too much time. So it was difficult to take off for me. But for men, no problem
to take off.

I don’t know why but I’m so weak in this year. Finally, I took off. Thank you to
the staff for supporting me. I climbed and went on task.

I felt the day’s conditions was not too rough. I got TP1 and I was going back to
get next one, but I could not climb there, and then I went to the flatlands. I
found a good landing place, but there were a few thermals close to the landing
place. They were too rough, so I could not climb out.

Then I approached the landing, but suddenly the wind direction switched. The
wind was strong. I decided to land into the wind. It was the last chance to
change the way to land. I did my final turn, and was feeling good, but and
then suddenly my base bar was blown away. Of course glider and me, and then I
seemed to float during a little though I don’t remember. Near me, there was an
old wall made of blocks.

Two Italian guys came to me and helped me. I also called Japan team leader. They
were 10 minutes from there. So they came to help me, and then a little bit
waiting for the helicopter to arrive which took me to the hospital.

I broke my right femur, and have thoracic pressure. I think it was just unlucky,
but I could have hit my head on an old wall made of blocks, so I might be a bit
lucky.

Now I am still in hospital for surgery and recovery. I have no idea if I can fly
back to Japan or not.

Anyway thanks to everyone for giving me your kindness. And thanks to the organiser
and staff of the worlds.

And today my team friends came to here. I was very happy to see them and got
power! Thanks!

Tomorrow will be last competition day. I will cheer to my team pilots with live
track. I wanted to fly more in the worlds.