By Jack Burden

Kristy Appleton, the newly crowned girl’s overall champion at the Under-17 World Water Ski Championships in Calgary, Canada, had a harrowing experience following her victory after contracting a misdiagnosed case of meningitis on her journey back to Australia.

In a detailed Instagram post, Appleton recounted the terrifying ordeal that began shortly after she returned home on August 8th. She was initially told by hospital staff that she had COVID-19 and was sent home to rest. However, her condition worsened, and she was later rushed to a second hospital via ambulance after experiencing excruciating pain and near paralysis.

“I couldn’t move, the pain was so bad,” Appleton shared in her post, detailing how she felt “paralyzed” as pain coursed through her body. A doctor at the second hospital quickly administered antibiotics, a decision that Appleton credits with saving her life. “Less than an hour they said I had,” she explained, after doctors confirmed she had contracted meningococcal disease, a severe bacterial infection.

Appleton spent eight days in the hospital fighting the infection. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for her recovery and emphasized the importance of vaccinations. She revealed that she had unknowingly not been vaccinated against the B-strain of meningococcal, the one she contracted, and urged others to ensure they are vaccinated.

Despite her brush with death, Appleton is hopeful for a full recovery, supported by her family, friends, and a strong network of well-wishers.

“I have a long journey ahead of me, but I am so, so grateful and lucky to have had so much support behind me,” she concluded.

Her resilience in the face of such a serious illness adds to her growing reputation as a rising star in water skiing. We look forward to seeing what Appleton can achieve over the coming seasons.