A top Team GB athlete is fighting for his life in hospital after fracturing his skull and suffering brain haemorrhage after a car knocked him off his bike.
31-year-old Decathlete Ben Gregory is currently in a coma following an accident. He has also competed in the three Commonwealth Games for Great Britain as well as Wales. His devastated girlfriend shared this today.
Naomi Heffernan shared that Naomi was so afraid of him and needed positive thoughts and prayers.
She stated that Ben was seriously injured in an accident on his bike. His skull and neck were fractured, as well as multiple brain haemorrhages. He is currently in a coma.
His injuries were sustained after being struck by a car struck on Friday, British Olympian Kelly Sotherton has confirmed.
This accident happened just days after Gregory had posted on Instagram some teasers about ‘exciting new’ that he planned to share shortly, along with a short clip showing him exercising on a treadmill.
31-year old Decathlete Ben Gregory has died after sustaining serious injuries in a bike crash. He is pictured with Naomi Heffernan, his girlfriend in Thailand at the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. This was taken in January 2022.
Two days ago, Mr Gregory posted on Instagram to tease some exciting news that he wanted to share. He also included a clip showing him running on a treadmill.
Gregory was injured in a head, neck and skull fracture. He also suffered multiple hemorhages to the brain. Gregory is in a coma, and currently on life support. He is pictured during a Sunday cycle around Epping Forest in February 2021
Gregory has competed in three Commonwealth Games but is in a coma having suffered a fractured skull, neck and brain haemorrhages. Heffernan requested prayers and positive vibes in a Sunday social media post
Kelly Sotherton, British Olympian and British Olympian Kelly Sotherton confirmed that he sustained injuries after being hit by a car on Friday.
Mr Gregory shared video of himself running on a treadmill just two days ago, telling his followers that he had ‘some exciting news to share soon.’
In his post, the athlete explained how he did warn up and running drills as well as a upper body and hamstring exercise. The cool-down routine consisted of four minutes running and one minute walking at what Gregory called a “cruisey, sexy” pace.
The #train hashtag was also used in the post suggesting that he might have been prepping for an upcoming event.
Ms. Heffernan stated that she had never felt so helpless, scared and sick as Sunday.
“Ben” needs your positive thoughts, prayers and support right away. Anyone who knows Ben will know that he is strong mentally and physically.
“Pray for him” and send positive thoughts and prayers.
In another blog post Ms Heffernan stated that she was aware of the ‘long road’ to recovery but has faith that he will pull it off.
She explained that she would be able to tell more about him on Monday, when they place a sedation on him. His reaction will determine which direction the procedure is headed.
Ms. Heffernan pledged to provide updates via social media, and she thanked everyone who had sent her love and words.
It was even mentioned by her that she intended to read all the messages permitted to Gregory upon seeing him.
Gregory, as seen in Team GB Headshot Photo
Naomi Heffernan, his girlfriend, said that Gregory was a man she needed to have ‘positive thoughts’ and prayers. They were pictured together on September 20, 2021.
Heffernan pledged to provide updates via social media, and she thanked everyone who had sent her kind messages. Gregory and she were pictured earlier in the summer at London Pride.
Gregory also was involved in a September 2020 cycling accident. His Instagram account featured a collection of photos showing his helmet in ruins after the crash.
Gregory was overwhelmed by the support he received after his accident.
Following this horrible accident, many fitness professionals and athletes have offered support to Gregory.
Will Lafolafo, a performance training coach shared photographs of him and Ms Heffernan while telling her: “Prayers to strength for your family x friend.”
“You are capable of this, mate. Jamie Wilson, a crossfit and PT trainer Jamie Wilson stated that you are Ben Gregz. He also said that he loved Ms Heffernan, and was sending his love to her and her family.
Welsh Athletics shared the following: “Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Ben and his family.”
The accomplishments of Ben as an athlete are impressive. He is Wales’ most successful ever decathlete and holds three Commonwealth Games records.
His popularity both as an individual and as an athlete is evident by the outpouring support on social media. Anyone who had the opportunity to train or compete alongside Ben can attest to his amazing love for life and his loyalty.
“We all will continue to pray for Ben’s full recovery.”
Gregory also was involved in a September 2020 cycling accident. The crash was documented by Gregory on Instagram, with several images showing his helmet in disrepair.
This was the opportunity for the athlete to emphasize how important it is that helmets are worn while riding.
‘They do a job & they’re inexpensive when you think about what the alternative would be,’ he penned in the October 2, 2020 post.
‘Pick up a helmet when you ride a bike, just the same as you’d put a seatbelt on in a car. Safety is your priority. We are grateful to have survived Monday’s collision. Many thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. It’s been a tough week but definitely on the road to recovery.’
Gregory and Heffernan pictured together in an undated picture
Gregory and Heffernan are pictured at the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint in Thailand in early January 2022
Gregory competed in track and cross for over a decade. He has had success even with injuries.
At the European Cup junior and senior levels, he represented Team Gb. In 2010, he competed in the Commonwealth Games. He placed sixth at the event and set a commonwealth record for pole vault.
In 2014, he placed 6th at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and also set a lifetime record. GetBuzzing said that he missed the Welsh National Record by two points.
After he won the Decathlon and the Mount Sac Relays, he set the Welsh National Record.