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This past Friday, while playing a game of basketball with some friends, Denny Hamlin suffered an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He announced his decision to put off surgery until the end of the 2010 Sprint Cup Season.
Before this injury occurred, the driver had been considered a favorite to unseat the reigning Champion Jimmie Johnson. This type of injury, however, can have a significant impact on any athlete and many have already eliminated Hamlin from Championship contention.
A few weeks ago, I also picked Hamlin as one to watch in 2010. During the 2009 Chase he had two engine failures and was involved in one crash. But in the remaining seven races of the Chase, he beat Jimmie five out of seven times, finishing fifth in the standings.
The effects of his injury on his ability to drive are yet to be seen. The fallout may be both physical and emotional. Every time Hamlin has an unsatisfactory finish this year, his reasoning for postponing the surgery will be questioned. He’ll have to stay focused and remain confident while ignoring the doubters.
But if determination is any indicator, you may want to withhold judgment before counting him out.
Hamlin wasted no time in letting his twitter followers know that he has no intention of letting the injury sideline him this season.
“No matter what people think, this injury will not stop me from being a contender this year. I have always been very active outside of racing, mostly to stay in shape. This is a minor setback that will only serve as motivation for me.”
His last words on the subject said it all.
“Like I said before, nobody wants it as bad as me… PERIOD.
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