🏁 From Injury to Finke – Andrew’s Journey 🏁

Over the June long weekend, local rider Andrew Michalak took on one of the toughest off-road events in Australia – the legendary Finke Desert Race. It’s a 3-day event made up of Saturday’s prologue, 226km from Alice Springs to Finke on Sunday, and the brutal return leg back to Alice on Monday.

Completing Finke is a huge feat for any rider — but for Andrew, this race meant so much more.

Just under two years ago, he fractured his neck and upper back, also tearing ligaments and tendons around his spine. His recovery has been long and challenging both physically and mentally — with every step focused on getting strong enough to return to racing.

Throughout the lead-up to Finke, Sarah – owner of Massages by Sarah in Port Pirie – has been a key part of Andrew’s recovery and preparation. With remedial massage and regular cupping therapy, Sarah helped manage ongoing pain, improve movement, and keep his body ready through months of training — even as he took time off work and travelled to test the track over Easter.

And once race day was done, she was right there again, helping with his post-race recovery.

While Andrew didn’t finish in the position he was aiming for, he made it to Finke and back — a massive achievement, especially considering the journey it took to get there.

Congratulations to Andrew on this massive achievement. We're proud to have helped you on this journey.

Sarah offers a range of supportive treatments including cupping, hot stone massage, and remedial therapy, personalised for athletes and anyone needing quality care.

Visit massagesbysarah.com.au to find out more or book in with Sarah today.