Tess Lloyd comes out of coma and is recovering well

Injured 29er skipper Tess Lloyd has taken a major step forward as she continues to recover from an accident on the final day of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships in Brisbane.

In the last 24 hours Tess’ doctors were able to take her off the drugs that were controlling her induced coma.  Tess is now fully awake, breathing on her own, alert and able to recognise family members and friends.

Her motor skills appear to be good and she has been able to complete a number of tasks, including squeezing a tennis ball. Tess has been sitting up and spent time yesterday absorbing the many cards and messages she had received over the last two weeks.

As of yesterday, Tess has not used her voice and will be visited by experts in this area today.

For the time being Tess will remain at the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane until she is well enough to return home to Melbourne with her family.

- Craig Heydon, Yachting Australia