lFormer N.M. governor injured paragliding

[CraginS]

lFormer N.M. governor injured paragliding

SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson must stay in bed for the next six months after breaking his back in a paragliding accident.

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Johnson said he suffered his injury Oct. 13 on the island of Maui in Hawaii, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

A paraglider is similar to a hang glider, but lighter and larger.

Johnson said he had been paragliding from the same spot for about two weeks, but on one jump there wasn't enough wind and he couldn't get any lift. His harness got caught in a tree and acted as a slingshot, hurling him to the ground.

Johnson suffered a burst fracture of his T12 vertebrae, a broken rib and a knee injury.

During his eight years as governor, Johnson was known for his athletic pursuits and thrill seeking. At the end of his term, he told reporters his best day in office was a time he got to go hang gliding.

This is the second time the 52-year-old former governor has broken his back. In January 2001, while still governor, he slipped on a patch of ice during a morning jog, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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