Michael Schumacher Shows Signs Of Life At Last

Schumi in a happier time

Seven Formula 1 world championships and 91 Grand Prix victories put together do not present as tough a challenge as recovering from a serious head injury, but Michael Schumacher could well be on the way to his biggest triumph. The 45-year-old has been in a medically-induced coma all year, and in that time there has been an almost constant stream of speculation and misinformation ranging from optimistic to downright cynical. Even now, I urge you to only read official statements from Sabine Kehm, his agent, as anything else you read about his situation has no value.

But rejoice! The latest is this:

"Michael is making progress on his way. He shows moments of consciousness and awakening. We are on his side during his long and difficult fight, together with the team of the hospital in Grenoble, and we remain confident.

We would like to thank you all for the continuous sympathies. At the same time we again ask for understanding that we do not intend to disclose details. This is necessary to protect the privacy of Michael and his family, and to enable the medical team to work in full calmness."

According to Former F1 Doc, there is a difference between "consciousness" and "awakening." The latter simply means that he is technically awake, as in open eyes, but that does not necessarily mean that he's interacting with the world. In other words, the lights are on. Consciousness means that there's somebody still in there, recognising and responding to the outside world, and that's the best news. The fact that he shows "moments" of each must mean that he's drifting in and out, which I guess is how it works in the early stages of waking up from a coma. It means as well that he now stands a good chance of actually recovering from hitting a rock with his head hard enough to split his helmet open, while skiing off-piste in Meribel, France. Soon he may just be able to see and recognise the global outpouring of support towards him.

Keep pushing, Schumi!