American four-cross and BMX rider Tara Llanes (Giant) broke her back during the third round of the Jeep King of the Mountains series, on Saturday in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Llanes crashed during the semi finals, where she dueled with longtime rival Jill Kintner.

Llanes was airlifted to Denver Health Medical Center where she underwent seven hours of surgery to address the massive trauma suffered on her lower back. Doctors also diagnosed a C-7 fracture which was deemed stable prior going into surgery.

Accoding to her family, Llanes is currently breathing without assistance, but reports no feeling below her waist.

"We will continue to learn more about her injuries in the upcoming weeks and will continue to keep you posted," a statement issued by her family noted. "Since coming out of surgery, Tara, drugged and very happy, has kept in good spirit and has promised not to let this beat her.

"We ask that you have as much faith as Tara does throughout this difficult period. In the meantime, we are hoping Tara will be able to come back home in 1 to 2 weeks."