Bennett recovering from auto accident

Posted Dec 7, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Dec 8, 2009 at 08:54 AM

Three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Brooke Bennett, a native of Plant City, is nearly recovered from a serious auto accident that resulted in multiple fractures to her pelvis.

Bennett, 29, suffered the accident Oct. 30 at the interchange of I-4 and I-75 in eastern Hillsborough County. A tire blew out on her BMW and the vehicle spun out of control and slammed into a tree. Although she walked away from the accident, she was placed on an immobilization board and transported by paramedics to Tampa General Hospital. There, she underwent surgery for fractures to her pelvis, which resulted in doctors fusing it back together with four screws.

Bennett stayed at TGH for eight days and has been undergoing therapy and rehabilitation work since then. The accident came just as she began her career as an on-camera personality for the Bright House Sports Network but it hasn’t sidelined the two-time Olympian (1996 and 2000) from advancing in that field. Bennett was recently promoted from a correspondent for the cable television company to a full-time broadcasting position covering high school sports. Bennett, a Durant High alumnus, has also worked as a color commentator for NBC for swimming events.

Bennett said the accident and subsequent rehab period has taught her that “gaurdian angels do exist.”

“After what happened to me, I’m certain of that,” Bennett said.

Bennett has not competed in swimming since just missing out on making the U.S. Olympic squad in 2004 and she says she has no plans to be a competitive swimmer again. On May 8, however, Bennett said she will be inducted into the U.S. Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale.