Famous RPTers No1

RPT (Ruptured Patella Tendon) is one of the rarest sporting injuries going around. I certainly don't know anyone else that's ever done one but I could name 5 friends with ACLs and probably list 100 ACL athletes (not that that's a good thing) There are a few famous names though and I'd like to share their stories

No1 - Ronaldo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo

Arguably the greatest Footballer of all time Ronaldo suffered multiple RPTs and although he had a spectacular career he lost 3-4 years of his prime to knee injuries.

His career started in amazing fashion when at just 17 he was in Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning squad. Fresh off that he went to PSV and then Barcelona where by age 20 he had scored 140 goals in 150 games and was FIFA's youngest ever Player of the Year.

Barcelona Top 10 Goals - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDCjsxrGy5U seriously looks like he is in a video game ... at least watch the last 4 goals

Crazy Skills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iXOMPo7cEI


Then after being named FIFA player of the year again whilst at the peak of his powers he led Brazil to the infamous 98 World Cup Final where right before the game he had a seizure and was removed from the lineup, only to return and play poorly in a 3-0 loss to France (I remember watching this game)

Then in 99 it happened http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yswziXAhtNE
Whilst trying to win the ball he suffered a partial RPT of his Right Knee. He rehabbed for 4-5 months and only 7 minutes into his comeback match whilst trying to change direction his knee buckled and he went down in what to me is familiar fashion (both clips are in the youtube link above)

He missed nearly 2 full years until the 2002 World Cup ... Returning in spectacular fashion scoring 8 goals!!! winning the Golden Shoe (most goals) and Golden Ball (MVP) whilst leading Brazil to their 5th World Cup. That comeback inspires me greatly.

He played another 7 seasons for Real Madrid & AC Milan and won a 3rd FIFA Player of the Year in 2002. He suffered more injuries in 03 and although still brilliant he never recaptured his previous form


In 2008 just jumping to attempt a simple header he suffered another RPT this time on his Left Knee. He did return a year later and played some games back in Brazil finally retiring one of the games all time greats. I leave you with this quote from the great Ronaldo "The Phenomenon"

“Its very hard to leave something that made me so happy. Mentally I wanted to continue but I have to acknowledge that I lost my body”