The resurgence of Daryl Thiessen

Manitoba-born driver, Daryl Thiessen was involved in an accident in May  2021 at Century Downs that had an immense impact on his career. After two-and-half years of battling through physical and mental hurdles, Thiessen has found himself at a new level.

“My confidence has never been higher,” said Thiessen. “I’m feeling super comfortable while also mentally and physically fit.”

Thiessen has put together the best driving year in his career. With almost an entire month left on the calendar, he has accumulated 111 wins and is just shy of $700,000 in earnings. His previous best year came in 2020 when he won 61 times and earned $416,686. Not only is this a massive jump from his previous best, but to have accomplished it after his long recovery is also remarkable. This spring, a screw was removed from Thiessen’s leg, which seemed to be the last thing holding him back from a full physical recovery.

One of the biggest hurdles for the Elm Creek, Manitoba native was the mental strain that came with the fear of having his livelihood ripped away. After navigating all the ups and downs over the last couple of years, Thiessen feels he has overcome his fears.

“My biggest fear during the recovery was not being able to get through it or be comfortable driving again,” said Thiessen. “I finally don’t have any fear anymore, nor do I think about it anymore. I have put it back in my mind, and I have more confidence now than before the accident. I feel unstoppable, not because I can’t be beaten in a race but just in life. I got my life back, and I am blessed. I’m back to doing what I love while also being able to pay the bills.”

The accident occurred when Thiessen was at a high point. It derailed his driving briefly, but he jumped back into the sulky in his home province of Manitoba just two months later. He scored a win in his first race back, but just because he was racing did not mean he was fully recovered. It took him almost two years to fully regain his health and confidence. However, Thiessen completed his  journey and felt it was for the best.

“I was on a pretty good roll before the accident, and it’s natural to feel like this good feeling is never going to end,” Thiessen said. “However, almost losing my life put everything into perspective. Without that adversity, I wouldn’t be who I am today. As hard as it was, it made me a lot better.”

All of us who work in the harness racing industry are blessed to have a unique and incredible job. Thiessen also knows this and how lucky he is to be here. He doesn’t know where he would be if it weren’t for his hard work during his recovery. He has experienced moments that not everyone can say they have had.

“When you’re going down the backstretch at the Meadowlands, you get an amazing view of New York,” Thiessen said grinning. “I remember just thinking that I am a long way from home and have come a long way. Getting a win there, too, was one of the coolest things I have ever felt in my life. It solidified my hard work to make it back. I have to pinch myself sometimes because this is my job, and I am far from Elm Creek.”

Thiessen is talking about the race on Oct. 21 with Three Grand (Mach Three). The seven-year-old gelding went wire-to-wire, which provided the skyline view for Thiessen.

THREE GRAND REPLAY

With the conclusion of 2023 quickly approaching, it is time to look ahead to next year. However, Thiessen has had a slightly different approach to how he views and sets his goals.

“I don’t want to set many goals and put numbers in my head. An old rodeo buddy of mine last year told me I should write my goals down and go over them every morning. But when I went to write them down, I had no idea what to put. I was still battling injury, and I didn’t know where I was going to race this year. I wrote down to improve daily, and that’s all I focused on. That is the same attitude I’ll have going forward.”

Although 2024 might not be completely mapped out yet, one thing is for sure though, he will have his hands full in Ontario going forward. Thiessen has scheduled drives at Western Fair, Flamboro Downs and Woodbine Mohawk Park this week as he looks to continue on his roll.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink