British decathlete Ben Gregory is in a critical condition after being involved in a serious bike crash over the weekend.
The 31-year-old Welsh athlete suffered a fractured skull and neck and has multiple brain haemorrhages, according to his partner Naomi Heffernan.
On Instagram, she said: “He’s in a coma and on life support.
“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.”
Gregory has represented Great Britain and competed for Wales at three Commonwealth Games – in Delhi in 2010, Glasgow in 2014, and at the Gold Coast four years ago.
He has since become a personal trainer and coach.
Fellow British athletics stars have sent their well-wishes, with former world champion hurdler Dai Greene describing Gregory as “one of the nicest and most positive people I’ve had the pleasure to be around at the track”.
“Keep fighting Ben,” he added in a tweet.
Retired heptathlete Kelly Sotherton, a three-time Olympic bronze medallist, said Gregory was “the energy that we all love on the team”.
“You’ve got this Ben,” she wrote.
Stephen Morris, an ex-Paralympian 1500m runner, shared Greene’s sentiments.
“I am hoping he pulls through,” he said of Gregory on Twitter.
“One of the nicest guys I’ve met during my athletics days.”
‘Pray for a full recovery’
Welsh Athletics issued a statement, hailing Gregory as the country’s “greatest ever decathlete”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s friends and family at this time,” it said.
“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 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.”
Gregory was also reportedly involved in a bike crash in October 2020, but escaped serious injury.
That incident saw him collide with a car in London, according to WalesOnline.