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Athletes Who Cheated Death

Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson is expected to make a full recovery after being stabbed at a bar in Champaign. Click through to see other athletes who have come face-to-face with a near-death experience.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Japanese climber Hideaki Nara, seen here being rescued alive on Dec. 5, survived six nights in sub-zero conditions on New Zealand's highest mountain. The harrowing ordeal claimed the life of his climbing companion Kiyoshi Ikenouchi.

Simon Baker, New Zealand Herald / AP

In Novemeber, Formula One driver Mark Webber was hit by a car during a charity multi-sport race and had to be airlifted to the hospital. Webber sustained a broken leg but no other major injuries.

Clive Rose, Getty Images

Former NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk was flown by helicopter to a Reno hospital for treatment in October after accidentally shooting himself in the chin with a rifle. Malarchuk also survived a gruesome accident in a 1989 game with Buffalo when his jugular vein was slashed by a skate.

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Redskins star Jason Taylor, left, was rushed into surgery to drain blood from his leg after being injured in a game against the Cardinals. If untreated, it could have led to paralysis or much worse. "I wanted to wait a couple hours but they said 'You don't have a couple hours. You should have done it an hour ago," said Taylor.

Lawrence Jackson, AP

In April, doctors told Keeth Smart he had a low platelet count and could die of severe internal bleeding within two days. The Olympic fencer recovered and helped the Americans win a silver medal.

Philippe Desmazes, AFP/Getty Images

Michael Matz has drawn acclaim as an equestrian Olympic medal winner and trainer, but his greatest feat occurred off the racetrack in 1989. Matz not only survived a plane crash in Iowa that claimed 111 lives, he led four young children from the burning wreck to safety.

Ed Reinke, AP

Louisville wide receiver Trent Guy was shot in the back on July 5 near a downtown nightclub, but fortunately escaped the incident without serious injury. He was released from the hospital less than a week after the shooting.

Andy Lyons, Getty Images)

Sam Ashaolu's promising basketball career ended before it began when the Duquesne recruit was shot twice in the head following a campus dance in 2006. Ashaolu spent weeks at the hospital in recovery and eventually was able to return to class, but his condition never improved enough for him to play again.

Keith Srakocic, AP

Mark Philippoussis' surfing adventure in Australia took a drastic turn on July 3. The former tennis star nearly died when turbulent waters smashed his board in half and drag him into a sea cave.

Paul Kane, Getty Images