Andy Buckworth, a favorite to win X Games gold in big air this summer, may have to sit the event out due to a recent decade gone wrong where he landed flat on his stomach, rupturing his spleen. Though many BMX athletes have gone through similar injuries, such as most decorated X Games athlete ever Dave Mirra, this injury may see Andy Buckworth sitting through the X Games with a 12-16 week recovery period. He will likely get a CT scan just before the X Games to weigh the possibility of still competing, but an injury like this is not one to try to cheat recovery time on.

Buckworth had planned to film for Nitro Circus' 3D movie at Travis Pastrana's house. Nitro Circus is a traveling action sports show in which Andy Buckworth is a huge addition, being one of the best BMX riders on the mega ramp today. As well as missing this and X Games, he will be missing the upcoming Dew Tour events. Injuries at this particular time, right before the summer contest season, have plagued action sports athletes since the beginning. But by joining the ranks of other BMX athletes who have ruptured their spleen, Dave Mirra and Mat Hoffman, it might be a good luck charm to being the next legend of BMX!