Although Taiwan’s leading female ultramarathon runner Chiu Shu-jung’s (邱淑容) condition has improved, her life is still in danger, her attending doctor at Montpellier Hospital in southern France said on Wednesday.
Although her condition was stable, Chiu was still under close observation, the doctor said.
A clearer report on her condition could be expected on Monday, he said.
Both Chiu’s legs were amputated on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 after blisters on her left foot became infected.
Chiu remained in a deep tranquilizer-induced sleep as doctors attempted to help ease her mental and physical trauma by keeping her sedated.
Prior to the surgery, Chiu was in a coma and consequently unaware that both her legs would have to be amputated.
Chiu, a mother of two and a clerk at Kaohsiung-based China Steel Corp, took part in the annual 1,150km La Transe Gaule ultramarathon from Aug. 13 to Aug. 31.
The 51-year-old runner was diagnosed at the end of last month with a potentially life-threatening infection of her left foot after completing the run across France.
She was later airlifted to hospital by helicopter.
Chiu developed broken blisters on her left foot on the 16th day of the 18-day race, but insisted on completing the course. She finished 17th among the 44 runners who completed the race.
Chiu’s husband, Lu Hua-chieh (盧華傑), said it was the first time that he had accompanied her on a marathon.
He said he hoped Taiwanese doctors could come to France to gain an understanding of Chiu’s situation and to learn from the case so that better medical care could be provided for marathon runners who may face a similar situation.
Lu expressed his gratitude and appreciation to their Taiwanese compatriots for their concern.
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