Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer recently shared a harrowing experience when his heart stopped during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December. Lockyer expressed that he felt like he was dying during the terrifying incident that led to the match being abandoned.
The 29-year-old defender revealed that this was not his first collapse on the field, having experienced a similar episode during Luton's playoff final win in May at Wembley. Lockyer underwent the placement of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) device following his cardiac arrest in December to prevent future occurrences.
Lockyer recounted how he knew the seriousness of the situation based on the reaction of medical personnel surrounding him when he regained consciousness on the pitch. He described the moment as disorientating and recalled thinking, 'I could be dying here.'
During the incident, Lockyer was unconscious for almost three minutes, emphasizing the importance of the quick response from paramedics, club doctors, and others involved in his care. Lockyer expressed immense gratitude towards them for saving his life.
The defender mentioned that his father and pregnant girlfriend were present at the stadium during the alarming episode. Lockyer admitted that his potential return to football depends on medical clearance, but he remains hopeful of playing again in the future.
Lockyer spoke about seeking advice from other players who have overcome similar heart conditions, including Christian Eriksen, Daley Blind, and Charlie Wyke. He stressed the importance of allowing oneself time to process such traumatic events and emphasized that his current focus is on his girlfriend's pregnancy.
Lockyer acknowledged that he may not have fully processed the gravity of the situation yet, possibly due to his athlete mentality of compartmentalizing emotions. Nevertheless, his main priority is welcoming his newborn child into the world.
Lockyer's courageous account serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the resilience required to face challenging circumstances. His determination to potentially return to the sport showcases his unwavering passion for the game, contingent upon his health and well-being. We commend Lockyer for his strength and perseverance throughout this ordeal, and our thoughts are with him as he navigates his recovery journey.
