KEY POINTS:
An encouraging change in Anna Hamilton's condition over the past 48 hours has given her parents and coach renewed optimism that she is now on the road to recovery.
Hamilton, who had her world triathlon dreams dashed when she was knocked off her bike while on a training ride near Dairy Flat a week ago and was left in a coma, had an operation late on Tuesday and has made steady progress since.
"She started talking on Wednesday and today she was a bit stroppy, even suggesting to a doctor she wanted to go for a run," said her coach Chris Pilone last night.
"She suffered head injuries which are now not considered serious, some bruising to the spinal cord, a broken collarbone and shoulder.
"There were also some cuts and lacerations.
"There was also an early indication of some tissue damage to her left leg but that too does not appear as serious as had been first thought. We are all very relieved she has turned the corner.
"She has made remarkable progress in the 48 hours but there is still no indication of when she might be well enough to go home. As her coach, I just want to see her back to full health before we consider where we go from here."
Hamilton, former head girl at Rangitoto College and one of a number of pupils from New Zealand's biggest school to make a mark in multisport internationally, and her family have received tremendous support since the accident.
Hamilton, 21, had been selected to represent New Zealand along with Kelly Bruce (Maungaturoto), Sarah Bryant (Dunedin) and Jacqui Seebold (Auckland) to compete in the under-23 grade at the world championships in Hamburg, Germany, later this month.
Triathlon New Zealand chief executive Dave Beach said he had still to check with selector Steve Farrell, in France, but it said it was unlikely Hamilton would be replaced in the team.
