Endurance World Champion Steven Odendaal (BMW) reveals serious injury

Steven Odendaal was one of the big winners of the Endurance World Championship in 2026. Together with Markus Reiterberger and Michael van der Mark, the South African led the BMW works team to its historic first EWC title. But behind this sporting triumph lies a story of which the public has, until now, known very little.

In an emotional social media post, Odendaal has now gone public with the health issues he was struggling with at the start of the season. A serious crash had significantly hampered his preparations and set him back by months.

“Some battles are fought long before the starting lights go out,” the BMW rider began his post.

Three months until a return to normal training

In the crash at the start of the year, Odendaal had suffered a herniated disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra (L5/S1). The protruding disc was pressing on a nerve.

“From the start of February, I couldn’t train at all. No motorcycling, no proper preparation and no chance to build up the fitness I would have needed,” Odendaal explained.

Despite these limitations, the South African had to prepare for the season opener at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The fact that he was far from his desired physical condition made the situation particularly difficult.

BMW-Werksteam 2026: Van der Mark, Odendaal, Reiterberger

Foto: BMW

“Nevertheless, I had to compete in my first 24-hour race of the season, even though I was nowhere near the level I wanted to be at.” The injury put the BMW rider to the test, and not just physically.

“It was one of the most difficult periods I’ve ever had to go through – both physically and mentally. There were frustrating days, slow progress and moments of uncertainty,” Odendaal said. “But I never gave up.”

With the support of those around him, Odendaal worked his way back step by step. Above all, this required patience and discipline. “Day after day, my team and I worked at it. Rehabilitation, patience, discipline and small steps forward. No shortcuts, no overnight miracles. Just carrying on every day and trusting the process.”

It was only after three months that the South African was able to resume his usual training programme. The long rehabilitation also changed his attitude towards achieving sporting goals. “This experience has taught me a great deal about how to achieve your goals in a completely different way. It’s about finding the patience to rebuild yourself when everything has been taken away from you,” wrote Odendaal. Odendaal’s determination is particularly evident in another statement: “Giving up is a choice. And I’ve chosen to keep fighting.”

From a difficult start to the season to a historic World Championship title

In sporting terms, the season turned into a success story for Odendaal and his BMW team-mates. Following a difficult start at Le Mans, the BMW works team won the 8 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, secured a podium finish at the 8 Hours of Suzuka and finally clinched the world championship with victory at the Bol d’Or.

This marked a historic achievement for BMW: it was the first time a European manufacturer had won the World Endurance Championship title. For Odendaal, this triumph holds added significance given his personal history.

Jubel in der BMW-Box: Beim Bol d'Or wurde Historisches erreicht

Foto: BMW

“This journey has reminded me that strength isn’t just about how fast you can be when everything goes perfectly. It’s also about what you do when everything goes completely wrong,” said the EWC champion. The South African concluded his statement with a message that sums up his journey through the season: “I’m still standing. I’m still fighting. I’m still chasing my dream. Today, I can say with pride that I am world champion.”

Odendaal extended a special thank you to Miroslav Sokol, who supported him during this difficult time, as well as to BMW. After months of setbacks and gruelling rehabilitation, the South African was thus able to end the season with the greatest possible sporting success.