Crunch: Sports Collisions and Recoveries
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
James Thalheimer
Gordon Marriott
Colin Allin
Jeff August
Jeff August
David Bassie
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Documentary about the struggles athletes face when they suffer injuries that may end their career or disable them for life. The program features interviews with orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists and human performance engineers who help rebuild injured athletes. "Sudden Impact" focuses on Detroit Lions' offensive guard Mike Utley, who was paralyzed during an NFL game on November 17, 1991. After 8 years of grueling physical therapy, workouts and biofeedback treatments, Utley, who was told he would never walk again, takes his first unassisted steps. Also, the program follows World Cup skier Brian Stemmle back home to Canada, as he begins a painful recovery after crashing while going 60 miles per hour on the world's most dangerous downhill racecourse. "Busted, Broken and Bruised" features hydroplane racing champion Dave Villwock, who crashed his boat while racing at over 200 miles per hour; motorcycle daredevil Doug Danger who is forced to relearn how to walk and talk a month after smashing into a concrete wall; and bull rider Jerome Davis who breaks his sixth vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. "Crash and Smash" features Australian Rules Football star Michael Voss who wrenches his leg, snapping his tibia and fibula through the skin; elite skydiver Dana Bowman who collides with a teammate in mid-air, resulting in the amputation of both legs; NASCAR driver Ernie Irvan who suffers critical brain and internal injuries after smashing into a wall at 200 miles per hour; and NHL Hockey player Wayne NcBean who catches his skate in a rut on the ice, tearing his knee and shredding the ligaments.
