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Ben Gregory: World athletes show support as decathlete in coma after car hits him while cycling

'Ben was in a serious bike accident. He has a fractured skull, neck, and multiple hemorrhages to his brain,' said Naomi Heffernan, Gregory's girlfriend

LONDON, UK: Team GB star Ben Gregory fights for his life after being involved in a horrific accident that fractured his skull and caused multiple brain hemorrhages. His family faces an arduous 24-hour wait before doctors prepare to take the comatose decathlete off sedation on Monday, August 22. British Olympian Kelly Sotherton has confirmed that he was hurt after being hit by a car on Friday, August 19.

The 31-year-old decathlete, who has participated in three Commonwealth Games for both Great Britain and Wales, is currently in the hospital after allegedly being hit by a car while riding his bike. Exactly two days prior to the accident, Gregory had teased on Instagram that he would soon be sharing some "exciting news" and had posted a video of himself working out on a treadmill. 

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Naomi Heffernan, Gregory's girlfriend, said, "Ben was in a serious bike accident. He has a fractured skull, neck, and multiple hemorrhages to his brain. He’s in a coma and on life support." She added, "I’ve never felt so scared, helpless, and sick to the stomach. Ben needs your positive thoughts and prayers right now. Those who 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."

Fellow athletes share messages of support for Gregory on social media. Former world champion hurdler Dai Greene wrote, "Sad to hear the news about @bengregz Hoping he pulls through. One of the nicest and most positive people I've had the pleasure to be around at the track keep fighting Ben." The chief executive of Welsh Athletics, James Williams tweeted, "As I go to sleep tonight, I am thinking of this guy… I’ve never met someone with such a larger-than-life personality and more love and positivity for those around him. But… he is also one of the biggest fighters I know… you’ve got this Ben G… let’s go! #KeepingTheFaith."Thoughts on @bengregz I am hoping he pulls through. One of the nicest guys I’ve meet during my athletics days. Keep fighting ben," wrote Stephen Morris, a retired double Paralympian.

Wales Online quoted a statement by Welsh Athletics as 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 statement continued, "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 continue to pray for a full recovery for Ben," reported by Wales Online.

Gregory started his athletic career playing youth rugby union for the London Wasps Academy before going on to have a successful career in track and field. He later attended Loughborough University while pursuing a career in athletics. As an athlete, Gregory finished sixth at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he established a new Commonwealth pole vault record. He then went on to set a new personal best after finishing sixth at the 2014 games in Glasgow. He also holds a Welsh national record, which he established in 2016 after winning the Mount Sax Relays Decathlon. Gregory also works as a personal trainer and coach in addition to being a model with London's W Model Management. 

Gregory was involved in another bike accident in October 2020 after colliding with a car in London, but he avoided serious injury as he was wearing a helmet.