Sept. 8, 2004

By Lindsey Iorg The Daily Universe

PROVO, UTAH (U-WIRE) Six-time All-American BYU track and cross country star Kassi Anderson fractured a pelvis plate when the trailer of a truck ran over her in a biking accident Saturday.

Anderson was following her brother down American Fork Canyon when she came around a blind corner the same time a truck pulling a trailer crossed the road.

When Anderson spotted the truck, she tried to lay the bike down, but her ankle got caught in the pedal, causing her to flip into the road, said Patrick Shane, BYU women's cross country head coach.

Although Anderson managed to miss the truck, the trailer rolled over her left elbow and pelvis.

Anderson's injuries will prevent her from competing for the next six to eight months, causing her to miss the world championships and cross country and track seasons.

"Kassi was our number one returning runner," Shane said. "It's hard to replace someone like her. But we're grateful she wasn't hurt any worse."

Anderson is at the University of Utah Medical Center and will undergo an operation on her pelvis.

Earlier this year, Anderson placed second at the Olympic trials after she broke her ankle while competing in steeplechase. The injury prevented her from running, but Anderson relied on biking 50 to 90 miles a day to prepare for the season.

Shane said that Anderson is handling the injuries remarkably well.

"She's emotional at times," Shane said. "But she's also grateful that [the accident] wasn't worse. She has a lot of support and loving family members and teammates."