"I'm Lucky to be Alive" - Discussing the Crash & Recovery | Austin Forkner on the SML Show
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- Опубліковано 1 кві 2024
- Presented by OGIO Powersports and Yamaha
For this week's episode of the SML Show, host Donn Maeda sits down with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Austin Forkner to discuss his brutal crash in Arlington, touch on the massive gains Pro Circuit has made on their machine, and plenty more. Plugin those headphones and enjoy this week's episode of the Swapmoto Live Show with Forkner! - Спорт
I got electrocuted working on power lines. Almost died. Almost lost both hands, lost the left. It's hard to have an accident that you can't remember. You constantly go over it in your mind, and you're really hard on yourself. He's right, it never goes away. The only thing you can do is turn your brain off and put one foot in front of the other. Dude is a warrior for going through something like that without quitting. Everything he's gone through will make him mentally stronger than his competition. I bet he smokes everyone outdoors!
I wouldnt make that bet on outdoors, as Austin is much more proficient in supercross than motocross. Still a gutsy dude for sure.
Damn man, that's rough to go through. We take our health and wellness for granted until a split second accident changes your life forever.
@@dougdickason2016 outdoors was great for him. Hes never been able to get a full build on outdoors
Sorry to hear about your accident. Your words are very inspiring. ✌️💯🤙🇺🇸🙏👊
@@damonforrest1570 thanks dude. The Dr called it a catastrophic unsurvivable injury, but I treated it like a dirt bike injury in my head. Never once thought I was going to die, even though I should've. Just too dumb to die lol
I like when Austin talks about pain and how he would give any amount of money to not be in pain everyday.... It only gets worse with age! I was an athlete, played football through college and have had some pretty good injuries. I live with chronic pain everyday. I hope he can deal with the pain when he gets older! It sucks!
Wasn't a huge Forkner fan at first but man he has earned my respect over the years. Huge fan now.
Dood is a monster. Hate seeing him hurt so bad..
He was riding so good all day bummed for AF
Austin is the toughest MFer in motocross.
I have all the respect in the world for that kid.
Toughest ? Lol. Far from it. Dude is soft as it gets
Macadoo got body slammed then lined up on the restart and that was way more graphic
We need a healthy Forkner on the gate. Id like to see his talents come to fruition
he needs to finish a season first ...
@@DouweEgbert no shit that’s why he needs to get on the gate rere
@@jadenwilliams2863 but teams won’t keep interested if he doesn’t finish seasons .. it’s his 8th season , hasn’t finished a series up till now … imagine you have to pay him big bucks and this is what you get in return ?? someday it stops
too many demons, thats what happens when you crash that much
I just wished he backed it down and took 2nd all these 250 guys are win or crash . Kitchen the only guy being consistent
Kitchen for the championship. It's his year. Love Forkner. His strength and determination and never giving up is impressive.
That’s all Austin had to do. It was so early in the season, he didn’t absolutely need that win. His immaturity and ego got in the way (I do like Austin, but how many times has a gnarly crashed halted his momentum?). Deegan was pressuring him and he didn’t want to lose, I get it, but he didn’t need that win with the circumstances. It wasn’t for the title at that point. Last two races of the season, I can see him risking it. I’ve got nothing but love for AF, but I hope he goes back out there with some better situational awareness in the future.
@@kimcrews1721kitchen has been absolutely killing it. Happy for him. I just wish we would’ve gotten a fully healthy Deegan because things would’ve been different IMO. Indy was the first race he had a full week of training since he broke his wrist in December. He looked like himself that race, wasn’t forcing things. After this break, I would t be surprised if we see him go on a run to pull the title out.
😢yup a healthy Deegan to start the year would have been a lot different. But I still think Deegans fixing to break out and kick ass at Foxboro and g8ve kitchen a run for his money in the east west show down! Deegs has always had a mental edge over kitchen! Deegs passing him in Washougal , and the 1st round in SMX in Carolina Deegs passed kitchen for the win in the 1st moto. And there's at several others from last year!
Deegs is coming for all the haters!
And let me tell you there are a lot of Deegan haters! I thought most people liked him until Birmingham Supercross. There were a ton of haters by me!!!
But I lv been watching him for almost 10 years now! I'm 46yrs old and me and all my kids ride now because of them! So it's like watching my own kid out there.
That's what alot of people don't get.
#DEEGSFORLIFE
@@MrIke303yea for real and just think this is his 2nd year it's forkners 7th
After watching that crash I’m just happy AF is here with us today. Come back stronger and better than before man. We all miss you.
The Bell helmet saved Austin's life. Massive hit head first. Worst head impact I've ever seen from a dirtbike crash.
Please. I went 135' over the wall jump at Freestone and landed on the 3rd roller...over 20 broken bones. I had a fox helmet on and raced the LL regional 11 weeks later. Broke my scapula, neck, ribs, pelvis, and ankle and more. Definitely not the worse I have seen.
I find inspiration in every guy like this.
@@frontlinemedia4270 you landed on loose sand. He hit head first on the concrete.
@@goldsbym yea, sure. Freestone in TX is not loose sand in the rollers. And I actually died and came back to life. I coded at the track from internal bleeding and came back at some point on the ambulance ride.
Feel free to test a 135' get off and let me know. The only reason I know it was 135' is I talked to the supervisor of the track who was there when I got my vehicle 11 days later. He told me what happened.
@@frontlinemedia4270so what I’m father is your trying to flex getting injured
@@goldsbym loose sand or not 20 broken bones sounds like a serious crash to me.
It's true Austin. I took inspiration from Roczen's big arm injury and got myself going and back into riding seeing his comeback from all that❤
Wishing you a speedy recovery Austin! Such a gnarly dude, and he never gives up. Hope we get to see him back soon
He is the best guy at not making it through 3 rounds in Supercross
Thanks for doing this interview my man! Everyone loves you and everyone was wanting an update, I'm sure!
Dude, the best guy on a 250 is one that learns how to win championships. You can’t even finish a season. Your fast as hell on a dirtbike, but you lose concentration…
The fastest guy to never finish a series. I like Austin but it's kind embarrassing to claim you're the fastest anything when you crashed out of the series 6 years in a row.
Cool interview. Hope if Austin comes back he can stay healthy for the rest of his career. He has had more than his fair share of adversity. Wishing him all the best in whatever he chooses to do from here.
Hey this is for Austin if you need a break take one for a year let everything heal up and gain some more energy back. You’ve got this man your a beast.💪 you had a smile on your face every time you said dirt bike😎 you’re definitely a inspiration to me
MAD RESPECT FOR YOU AUSTIN FORKNER. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO HONEST AND OPEN WITH ALL OF US FANS. THIS WAS A FANTASTIC PODCAST. YOU ARE MOST DEFINITELY AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND I HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD VIBES AFTER LISTENING TO ALL THE GOOD STUFF YOU SHARED MY BROTHA. HELL YA GOOD STUFF FOR SURE. ROOTING FOR YOU MR. FORKNER! FAN FOR LIFE DUDE!!!
Worst single bike crash in Supercross history, I thought we were witnessing his passing, Austin definitely has an Angel on his shoulder.
I remember watching the UFC fight between Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson, and Justin’s coach telling him “just take 10% off your punches.” Justin goes on to not only win the fight but absolutely rinses Tony. I’m a huge fan of Austin, want to see him do well. Perhaps taking 10% off “your swing” so to speak, gets the win. At minimum keeps you safe to enjoy the sport in addition to success.
I couldn't agree more! He would still be fast, and consistency is what wins championships. Just ask Webb, not always the fastest, but always finds a way to be at the top.
100% correct. You don’t need to go balls out the whole time. Make one mistake and your season is done. You can back it down, regain focus being aware of the situations going on around you. Collect the points, stay safe to ride the next weekend. Play the championship game, lose the battle but win the war.
Totally agree, AND the series winner this year is going to have not necessarily won many/any of the races...consistency in most cases wins the championship, unless there is a Jett or someone truly on fire that year....
Great interview. Forkner is a champ. Fast and tough. Keep it up Austin!
So glad you're as healthy as you are. Heal up Austin! What ever you decide, it's been a real pleasure watching you race!
Go Austin! I am a huge fan. Never ever give up on your dream. Life is going to bless you. 🙏
I love the dude that takes the opportunity to talk s*** on somebody when they're down on Instagram. That's heart❤ and character right there.
Man would I love to see him realize his potential and be able to stay healthy. Dude is an amazing talent. Love his commentary on the bike's improvements also. It clearly is much better as almost every rider on PC is getting better starts and results this year.
I just watched you last video a few weeks ago of your crash and you talking about how you felt and it’s sort of crazy because I felt sumthing like a gut feeling after watching I still went out I had the same crash and broke my back so I feel like watching ur last video n I even commented on it Telling you to just stay strong and felt like it was a sign for me looking back but ever thing happens for a reason man I’m just glad god gave me a second chance 🙏😊
Forkner is one tough dude and super fast, don't rush your return, the sport isn't going anywhere. After listening to a travis Pastrana interview, comparing the crashes and surgeries you are doing just fine haha, he said he can barely bend his knees somedays and is still out doing backflips. You both have that same drive of doing what you love and not letting an injury stop you. Heal up and take a good mental break, go do some fishing or something easy to clear the mind.
Been waiting for this interview!! He also hasn't posted since the crash on his All Fun blog.
Stoked to see Austin is still here to tell the tale. I truly believe it was his championship to lose this year. Looking forward to his return 👍🏼
Like Austin talks about around the 4 minute mark, it's weird after a crash where you're out cold for a while, to reflect back and try to determine what you actually remember vs. what you think you remember
Got love for ya AF. Get it brother!
Austin is one of the most naturally talented guys when it comes to riding a dirtbike. So fast and everyone knows he can win. So unfortunate he hasn't necessarily been able to accomplish is dreams of winning championships and by now be on a 450. I hope he recovers and can comeback ONCE AGAIN and complete a season injury free. He will have one of the greatest stories when it's all said and done. Definitely an inspiration and motivation to so many now after everything he has gone through
I LIKE him but he needs a speech coach to stop the LIKES 😂,but like he just needs some luck especially working with Ryno!
likety like like like! agree 100
He don't get paid to talk. Only to ride 🤷
So good to hear he's healing up and may be racing again this year.
Hang in there Austin you were riding incredible, Worked hard to come back.... And it showed. Were rootin for ya.
One of the toughest dudes mentally and physically on the bike. Keep grinding AF
So glad you’re ok Austin it’s a blessing to have you here to ride another day ❤
Austin is a true American baddass 🇺🇸
Good humble guy. Glad he came out of that crazy crash..
Humble ???
new drinking game... every time he says "Like" take a drink!
You literally wouldn’t be able to keep up with the count. Be easier to just constantly drink while he’s talking
Had to leave because of the likes annoying
@@RobertJones-ix2hu hahaha.. so true!
there isn't enough alcohol in the world
@@RobertJones-ix2hu Take it intravenously.
You were killin it that race. Hope you make it back soon. 💪
Are we forgetting when Macadoo rode a Endo into the face of a jump got body slammed into the ground….then lined up on the restart
Austin, you should post a pic of your Bell helmet. Good press for Bell. That helmet definitely did its job!
Ken Roczen admitted he was afraid to go 110% after his crash. You have to be fearless, once that doubt sets in. Not good
"I was like the most consistent guy"... Goes out in the 2nd race of the season
Great interview Donn. AUSTIN,take care and good luck.
Good to see and hear him talk about it. Maybe some riders should start testing airbag vests?
Like like like like
What a badass!! Love hit grit man. The attitude is perfect, he’s real and ready to work it seems!!
Dudes fast asf but needs to look at why he keeps having season ending crashes, it cant just be bad luck
I agree with you on that. He needs to engage his brain more. It's better to finish a race healthy than crash out and get injured
It for sure has nothing to do with luck. Technique or maybe pushing too hard. If he scaled back a bit on speed, he'd probably stay healthy.
Damn man…..every time I hear Austin speak, he just solidifies why he’s my favorite racer. Him and AC are such amazing people and oddly, the injuries are what shaped who they are. That’s why they’re so relatable because as us weekend racers know, we all go thru injuries too
what a guy ah it,s great seeing austin looking so healthy all im going to say is be very carfull with those extra strong pain killers they hand out.
I was thinking the same thing. I hope that’s not what made him decide to get all of those tattoos. I don’t remember seeing them before. I’ll have to look back at his last video.
Keep charging AF! ALL FUN! Looking forward to seeing him ride again
As a Missouri native, I've watched him race for a long time, and want nothing but the best for him. This kid is as tough as they come, and is an inspiration even for an old guy like me. With his drive, this kid can do anything he puts his mind to. No matter what he does in the future, I wish him the best and I know he will achieve nothing but the best.
I have an auto immune disease, that's caused me to go blind, I got my sight back. I deal with really bad fatigue, I am also epileptic because of it. Can't ride a dirt bike anymore, let alone drive a car. Keep your head up forkner. What a story it would be if you came back to outdoors and just did decent!!
damn sorry to hear that! hang in there!
Warrior 🤘🤘
Im a st8 Deegan fan but forkner is scary fast and good cant wait to see him back on the track
Very glad to see Austin Forkner is doing well!
Lets Goooooooooo!!!!
I think the Bell helmet cracking proved it did it’s job! Knowing how good that company is they probably figured out the exact force to crack it, possibly to absorb impact at a certain point. But I could be totally wrong
The helmet did EXACTLY what it is designed to do. And did it well.
@@racetronics I agree 🙏
That was some really real stuff from Austin. It was crazy listening to him like try to put his thoughts into words, but I knew exactly what he was trying to say. I've become a big fan of him the last few years. The more you know about him and his life the harder it is to hate on him. I really hope he can get a title, it would be as bad as if AC never won that outdoors.
Seems like there might be a pattern with riders who train under Robbie and end up injured a lot.
The best part of this video is that badass Pro Circuit hat. Jusssss sayyyyin stay up kings!
So so stoked to see this🤘This is one of our hopes to run with jet and personally I think he can do it.
Your delusional, AF will never get a 450 ride.
He has a beautiful wife has made a lot of money and a very bad black cloud that follows him. His luck could run out and the end result be something terrible to live with. He’s a young man and that would be the smart thing to do.
Winning is not everything his health and family is.
I love and have followed Austin but with his history I would lean on the side of caution.
Austin retire it’s time. You made a good living let your lady work and do her thing now. And start the next chapter in your life.
He was just winning races why would he retire
for her sake, yes. don't put her through more of this.
@@nevermindd1he wins races every season he races. Sadly just can’t finish. But dude it’s blazing fast. But he’s been in 250 class for how long now? He should be faster than all these guys.
@@zacklloyd5227 he is faster than all those guys 😭
Forkner is a f'ing DAWG! I was def one of those who msged him. There is nobody who has gone through what he has year after year and still come out and whoop ass!
And I'm like , like and then I like kinda like ,like did that like, and like IDK like
Never seen rider so talented yet so cursed with bad luck. I hope he's back to racing soon. Having him on the track make the racing more exciting.
I did break my L-3. But they Needed to operate it, and I stil c not feel my knee. It happend in traffic, and 2 years later I stil have moments I am to scared to drive and I realy need to say to myself. It is oké just drive on. It Goes away a Litle but it also stays a litle
I never liked Folkner , but man , this dude is a tough son of a gun . I love the under dog , he wasn't even talked about , it was all about Deegan. Dude was putting it down . For sure my favorite 250 rider , only God knows what you can handle , speaks volumes of what you got inside man. Chin up , keep digging man . Much respect 🙏 👏
I’m glad he’s getting better. Think about how great it would be when you have a a really bad day at work you have all these people messaging you and cheering you on. That’s got to be nice. If I got to work and we have a multi fatality car accident and I’m in a dark place, I don’t have people in my DMs cheering me on. Good for these guys
I had a leg injury and I was off the bike for 2-3 weeks because it just scared me to ride after. But then I remembered how Austin recovered and I started but when I rode after I took some more time off because I couldn’t shift and when I got back I rode hard thinking about Austin about his recovery
Like I like totally wanted to like finish this but like I can’t like get like through it without like gettin like totally tripped up by like the word like being like used like every other word...........yeah no for sure.
Love Forkner, he deserves some GOOD luck! Hope it finally comes to him next year! Says "LIKE" way too much though! lol
It's about heart!!! It's easy to see in you that you have more heart than the other competitors and that's what I think draws people to you. Stay close to God and he will lead you to where he wants you to be. And that is always what is best for us. Even though it may not seem like it at the time. God bless you Austin!!!
i was hoping someone was thinking the same thing as me. out of all these crashes he has had.....he hasnt really learned the key thing......his ego, he needs to back it down in some situations, he told us he was riding over his head to make a statement that day....pure ego decision. man, and you can hear it in his words, literally still hasnt learned his lesson. thats sad, hopefully this doesnt happen to him again, could be even worse that this, dont turn your brain off, its the best thing you have. get some good people on your side that can fill your head with positive information that you can use on and off the track when life shows up
You're spot on
Tough times don’t last.. tough people do .
Alpine Stars make a great airbag vest but it would likely go off when it shouldn't racing on a rough track but perhaps they could develop something that could be made for MX and SX because it is sorely needed. Maybe it expands when the riders hands come off the grips?
I use to be a Austin fan but for countless seasons he’s out injured ,, be it supercross and then miss outdoor or outdoor then miss supercross. My question is how the hell does he still have a ride at PC considering he hasn’t finished a full season in a very long time ?? Is Mitch his secret father ?
cause he wins when hes healthy. 1 win a year is better than a 6th place guy
@@tkleven 1 win a year 😂😂 🤡. Are you for real ? You think teams will be happy with 1 win a year ? Unbelievable.
@@elasticsoldier0257Look at how much publicity he gets though..
@@elasticsoldier0257some teams don’t ever get 1 win a year. Look at TLD.
been waiting
Hang in there, stay with it!
Austin’s been through hell and keeps going. He is one tough MFer no doubt, praying he gets back to 100% physically and mentally. KEEP GOING AUSTIN💪🤘🏆
Love and prayers Austin! Love you man... you can handle it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Put it in it's place and let it go... look forward. God deserves all the Glory. You deserve a full season rippin like you know. I think you can learn to know when to back off, or down... But there is a focus to it and letting yourself be too analytical with racing can bite. So that's what I see in your last few injuries except when Jett went banzai and landed on you... but otherwise, Nashville, A1, & Arlington... I feel you can learn from those. But never doubt yourself Austin. You're one of the best in the world. Hands down one of the guys. You absolutely belong out there winning and contending titles. Don't think like the industry gets you to think about age... go look up John Dowds career on RacerX. He was racing a long time. I.e., Kelly Slater, Tony Hawk, Pastrana & Renner & Sypes, but you definitely have plenty of time. Heal your mind, body, and soul... do it for God, yourself, your family... but don't worry about us... We were blessed to watch you display your gift on a dirtbike. No better way to heal your mind than reading God's word daily and having a daily relationship with Christ. You'll be fine Austin. Believe to acheive and The Holy Spirit will put the wind back in your sails bro!
thumbnail is no clickbait. He never specifically said “im the best guy on a 250” 🤦♂️
3 races in 2 years and didn’t finish two of them lol
@@TATE411huh?
@@tkleven I should say he has done 3 super cross races in the last 2 years and only crossed the finish line in 1 of them , definitely the best guy on a 250 lol
06:53
He actually verbatim does
I truly hope he moves to a farm back home and lives a happy life! There is a point when its not worth it! Be a inspirational speaker!
Inspirational speaker??? Like have you like heard him like talk?🤣
Sounds like excuses of being to comfortable, to relaxes then being pressured into a mistake
Hope he makes a comeback! One tough dude
I’m really hoping to see Austin come back at the end of the season and just get some more races under his belt.
Forkner rips, and is like, super talented, but like, needs to quit crashing :)
Beast mode 3.0. AF heel yeah
All those 250 guys are probably s******* their pants when Forkner is on the line with him... 🦈 And they should be👍🏾
well done SML letting him "release" those emotions by keeping quiet, A great interview.
Total respect for AF, but no 1 mentions using airbags on the concrete [etc] where possible during races, theyre movable/temporary and cheap !
Love me some Austin the grit is unmatched he’s due for a break
Like, Like, Like, Like I fuuckinnng Like, Love this kid Like, Like we know you are and have been the most Gnarly 250 rider for years!!!
Get'em next year bud!!!
Too bad the seasons more then 3 races otherwise he would dominating
Start riding in a couple of weeks lol 😂 Forkner is a animal
He said “like” a million times
I know he feels so much pain everyday but it sucks so much to see the talent and raw speed he has, he just hasn’t been able to accomplish many things in SX/MX. other than being an inspiration and motivation to many with his comeback stories. I hope he can get a full season in and his body allows that.
Austin if you get this message you should forget 250s move to 450s before it's to late.if you want to chase a championship so if you get on roll you're already in the 450s.
Respect
Love Austin, but his choice of those tattoos are pretty rough imo 😂
Are these new?? I’m wondering if the pain killers are messing with his decision making.
@@04ingoditrust04 I think that one on his left hand is recent, it wasn’t on his vlog last month lol it looks bad, but again - just my opinion
Love Forkner!