In what has come out as a piece of horrific news to all athletics fans, Ben Gregory, Great Britain, and Wales decathlete is now in a coma following a bike crash. Ben’s partner, Naomi Heffernan informed the public about the 31-year-old in an Instagram post.
Heffernan wrote,
“For those who haven’t heard yet, yesterday afternoon Ben was in a serious bike accident. He had a fractured skull, neck and multiple haemorrhages to his brain. He’s in a coma and on life support. I’ve never felt so scared, helpless and sick to the stomach. Ben needs your positive thoughts and prayers right now. Those that know Ben know how strong he is mentally and physically, he’s a fighter and he’ll get through this. Please pray for him and send all the positive energy and thoughts you can muster. Thank you.”
Welsh Athletics issued a statement saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s friends and family at this time.”
“Ben’s accomplishments as an athlete speak for themselves: Wales’ greatest ever decathlete- three Commonwealth Games, the Welsh record holder and representing Wales and Great Britain multiple times.
“The outpouring of support across social media is a testament to his popularity as a person and as an athlete. Everyone who has had the privilege of training or competing alongside Ben will speak of his incredible love of life, his kindness, support and loyalty.
“We will all continues to pray for a full recovery for Ben,” said the Welsh Athletics in their statement.
My thoughts and prayers ? go out to former decathletes and all round good guy @bengregz who has been involved in a serious accident while riding his bike. He is fighting for his life and needs our positive thoughts at this time. ?? pic.twitter.com/LzlL9moNeQ
— Shaun Pickering (@ShaunDPickering) August 21, 2022
Gregory has a decathlon best of 7882 points and came sixth at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. He also finished sixth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games before finishing seventh at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Fellow athletes were also quick to offer their support for Gregory with Dai Greene saying, “Hoping he pulls through. One of the nicest and most positive people I’ve had the pleasure to be around at the track.”
Ben was involved in a bike crash, earlier, as well but came out with minor injuries as he had worn a helmet.
