Eight years have passed since that fateful August 7, 2017, when the life of Corin Konradsheim, once a Red Bull Juniors defender and EC Red Bull Salzburg junior, was completely turned upside down. A serious traffic accident led to polytrauma, a traumatic brain injury, multiple pelvic fractures and rib fractures. The then 24-year-old lay in the intensive care unit for weeks – between life and death.
“Nothing is as it once was”
Everything changed for the Konradsheim family from that day on. His mother Melina and brother Phil accompany the now 32-year-old every day. “We spend 24 hours helping him and training with him,” Melina tells the “Kronen Zeitung.” The apartment had to be remodeled and the entire family life had to be reorganized.
Despite all the setbacks, she is still grateful: “When I see him, I’m just happy that he survived.” She accompanies her son to physical therapy several times a week. Her motto: giving up is not an option.
Corin himself also shows remarkable fighting spirit. Although his speech and motor skills are severely limited – he is in a wheelchair and has difficulty speaking – he retains his sense of humor. “I’m sad about what happened. But I will always work hard on myself and try to take small steps towards improvement,” he says. And when asked how he is doing, he simply answers: “I’m alive! That’s all that matters!”
Progress – but a long way to go
According to doctors and family, the chances of a full recovery are slim, but Konradsheim continues to make physical progress. He will probably never fully regain his ability to speak. “That’s unlikely,” explains his mother.
What helps the family tremendously is the continued support from the hockey community. Private individuals and associations regularly donate to enable extensive therapies and adjustments to everyday life.
Today: “Corin Konradsheim Hockey Night” in Zell am See
Tonight will be particularly emotional: the “Corin Konradsheim Hockey Night” will take place at AHL champion EK Zell am See from 7:30 p.m. Following the derby against the Red Bull Juniors, the family will be presented with a donation – a strong sign of solidarity within the hockey family.
Image: EKZ – Radlwimmer
