Megan Domarecki has qualified for the Surf Lifesaving Open, recovering from a serious injury to compete again. Picture: Keryn Stevens Source: adelaidenow
AN INJURY that left Megan Domarecki hospitalised and still recovering a year later only made her more determined to become a champion surf lifesaver.
Next weekend, Megan will represent West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club at the State Championships after qualifying earlier this month and taking home three medals at team event finals.
The West Beach teenager says getting back out in the water to compete was all she could think about while sidelined last year.
"I love the sport a lot more now," she said.
"Having to watch all the other people compete made me realise how much I missed it."
In February 2012 Megan was paddling out in choppy conditions to warm up for a carnival and went under a wave, out of sight of the lifesaver behind her.
A moment later she was hit in the stomach by the lifesaver's surf ski, travelling at full speed.
"At first I thought it was a shark or something because I had this sudden massive pain in my stomach," Megan said. "When I resurfaced I couldn't breathe. When I got my breath back I screamed and luckily someone on a jet ski about 25m away heard me."
The 16-year-old suffered a lacerated liver, affecting her metabolism, internal bleeding and bruising to her ribcage.
Megan said she had had almost no energy for months after the accident and still struggled with fatigue.
She was back competing at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in August in limited events, but this month's titles mark the first meet where she feels she is back in form.
"I've been training twice a day," Megan said.
The State titles will be held at South Port from March 16-17.
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