A prominent young Masterton athlete has been injured in a suspected hit and run when he was knocked off his bike.
Daniel Anstis was left with a compound fracture of his left leg - but his injuries may have been a lot worse had he not been wearing a safetyhelmet.
The 21-year-old won a bronze medal in the AWD (athletes with disability) boys 400m at the national secondary schools track and field championships held in Dunedin.
He was riding in a cycle lane in Chapel St when he was knocked off his bicycle outside Pizza Hut at 8.45pm on Sunday.
Anstis smashed his leg but his safety helmet, which was dented beyond repair, probably saved him from serious head injuries.
Anstis was admitted to Wairarapa Hospital and yesterday underwent surgery on his leg which included a pin being inserted.
Less than two weeks ago Anstis was in the sporting spotlight when he won his AWD events over 200m and 400m at the Wellington track and field championships at Newtown Park, Wellington.
He went on to show his versatility by also winning the AWD long jump.