NPR: 'A Self-Sealing Wound:' Photog Gets Javelin in the Leg

'A Self-Sealing Wound:' Photog Gets Javelin in the Leg

Filed under: News

A harrowing day at the track meet.

Ryan McGeeney, former Marine, current photo intern.

Darrin Harris Frisby

On Saturday, photo intern Ryan McGeeney showed up at the Brigham Young University stadium to cover Utah's high school track championship. McGeeney spent seven years in the Marines, including six months in Afghanistan, and now he's interning for the Ogden Standard. Now he stationed himself in the neutral zone between the discus and javelin throwers.

McGeeney says he watching the discus thrower when he heard officials start shouting at him to look out. He'd wandered into the field of play for the javelin toss and a javelin was coming straight at him. It pierced the skin just below his left knee. McGeeney kept taking pictures. He calls it the rational thing to do.

The veteran and photographer says he takes full responsibility for what happened. When he got out of the hospital later that day, he went back to the meet to say as much to the Provo High thrower who pinned him, Anthony Miles. I'll let McGeeney tell you the rest -- including the amazing result for Miles -- and I'll drop the key image after the jump.

It could have been worse.

Ryan McGeeney kept taking pictures.

Ryan McGeeney, courtesy of the Ogden Standard

Laura Conaway

8:28 AM ET | 05-20-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I went to school with Ryan at BCCC. I always wondered what happened to him because he was such a talented photographer. I never expected to learn of his career as a javelin catcher. I am glad that he is okay. Hopefully from here on out Ryan will be recognized for his photography.

Sent by Chris Houseman | 11:07 AM ET | 05-20-2008

ha ha ha ha

Sent by brett racicot | 12:57 PM ET | 05-20-2008

objectivity personified!! A true blue reporter...

Sent by Dale Borup | 4:26 PM ET | 05-21-2008

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