British athlete Ben Gregory is in a coma and on life support following a serious bike accident over the weekend, his partner has said.
In a social media post, his fiancee Naomi Heffernan wrote: “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.
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 pic.twitter.com/9OCsUjSEvH
— Dai Greene (@DaiGreene) August 20, 2022
“Please pray for him and send all the positive energy and thoughts you can muster.”
Welsh Athletics paid tribute to Gregory and hailed him as “Wales’ greater ever decathlete”.
A spokesperson said: “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 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 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.
Several British athletics stars have sent supportive messages. Former world champion hurdler Dai Greene described 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.
