Ore. high school champion pole vaulter pierced in eye by javelin
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The parents of an Oregon high school champion pole vaulter pierced in the eye by a javelin say their son's vision is blurry but he can see out of the eye.
Barry and Carrie Kennedy in a statement released Sunday through Oregon Health and Science University in Portland say 18-year-old Parker Kennedy is in fair condition.
The parents say his neurological status is good and he's talking, moving and showing signs of progress.
Parker Kennedy was injured Friday night after he tripped during a Portland track meet.
Jerry Westfall, executive director of Oregon's track association, told OregonLive.com that the back end of the javelin entered Kennedy's right eye socket near the nose, missing the center of his eyeball.
A fire department spokeswoman says the javelin was removed by someone before firefighters arrived. According to Westfall, Kennedy remained concious throughout the entire ordeal.
Kennedy is a graduate of Hood River Valley High School and won the 5A pole vault at the state championship in the spring.
OregonLive.com reported that he is set to attend the University of Washington as a pole vaulter in the fall.