Harness racing legend still in respirator after training accident
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
From a news agency
Ongoing story
- Danish harness racing legend Steen Juul is recovering in intensive care following a severe training accident in early July.
- Juul sustained multiple broken ribs, a neck fracture, and a back fracture, and has undergone treatment for internal bleeding.
- Despite his critical condition, he is conscious and able to communicate, though he remains on a ventilator and will not race this year.
Danish harness racing icon Steen Juul is showing signs of recovery after a serious training accident in early July that nearly cost him his life. His son, Michael Juul, reported that the 75-year-old legend was thrown into a tree during a training session, sustaining severe injuries that necessitated his placement in an artificial coma at Rigshospitalet.
Father is still in the respirator, as he has not only broken a lot of ribs, but he also has a fracture in his neck and back. Furthermore, he has had internal bleeding. It is a serious tour he has been through.
Juul has since been transferred to Køge Sygehus. He remains in intensive care, connected to a ventilator, as he is still unable to breathe on his own. The extent of his injuries includes multiple broken ribs, a fractured neck, and a fractured back, along with complications from internal bleeding. "It's a serious ordeal he has been through," his son stated.
Michael Juul emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting how close his father came to death. "He could also have ended up disabled, but fortunately, he can move both his legs and hands," he added. Steen Juul is reportedly conscious and able to communicate with his family, although his verbal responses are limited due to the ventilator.
Yes, he was so close to being killed when he was thrown into a tree during training. He could also have ended up disabled, but fortunately, he can move both his legs and hands.
His racing career is effectively over for the year, with his son confirming he will not compete in any races in 2026. Steen Juul began his career as a trainer in 1974 and has achieved nearly 8,000 victories. He has won the prestigious Dansk Trav Derby, Denmark's premier harness racing event, 11 times. This accident adds to a history of significant challenges in Juul's life, including surviving a plane crash in 1992 and previously battling and recovering from colon cancer.
And he is 'at least not going to drive races this year,' points out the son.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
