Our thoughts and well wishes are with Paralympic medallist George Peasgood and his family following a serious incident last Saturday.
An Instagram statement from Peasgood’s girlfriend and fellow pro cyclist Frankie Hall published on Sunday 10 October shares that Peasgood had had a “freak accident” while cycling with Hall the day prior, with “no other parties involved”.
Hall goes on to share that Peasgood is being treated in critical care for a “diffuse axonal injury”, among other injuries, and is currently still unconscious.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, ‘Diffuse axonal injury is the shearing (tearing) of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons) that happens when the brain is injured as it shifts and rotates inside the bony skull.’
We at 220 Triathlon would like to send our sincerest well wishes to Peasgood, his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“As many people already know, last Saturday on our ride, George suffered a freak accident on the bike [no other parties involved]. He has suffered severe injuries specifically a diffuse axonal injury, and is currently undergoing treatment in a neuro critical care unit.
“Since the accident and for the foreseeable future, I shall be based around the hospital and the rest of George’s family to help with the long recovery journey.
“We do not have any further information at this stage, we will know more once he regains consciousness, but we appreciate your respect and privacy at this time.
“I would also like to personally thank the fast action of @ehaat_ Herts & Essex Air Ambulance crew, local police and ambulance paramedics who ensured that George was in safe hands within minutes of the incident.
“A thank you to @bluecarpetmanagement, @brittri and @britishcycling for their continued support for George.
“To all of our friends, please know your support means the world to me, and will to do him too. He is a fighter, I’ve never known anyone as strong as George and I know, when it’s ready he will pull through. #ForGeorge”
British Triathlon has joined many in sending support to Peasgood and his family, with the hashtag #ForGeorge already building steam on social media.
“We, like the rest of the triathlon community, are keeping @george_peasgood in our minds following his recent accident.
“His family want to thank everyone for their kind wishes, but ask for privacy at this time.
“We will continue to support his family and ensure that they, and George, have everything they need. #ForGeorge”
Top image: Lia Toby/Getty Images for The National Lottery