Our thoughts and well wishes are with Paralympic medallist George Peasgood and his family following a serious incident on 1 October.
An Instagram statement from George's girlfriend and fellow pro cyclist Frankie Hall published on Sunday 10 October shared that George had had a “freak accident” while cycling with Hall the day prior, with “no other parties involved”.
Hall went on to share that George was being treated in critical care for a “diffuse axonal injury", among other injuries.
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.’
Here's what Frankie wrote on on her post at the 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”
An update on George's recovery
As of 16 January 2023, British Triathlon provided an update on George's recovery, which read: "George has now been at the neurological rehabilitation centre since the end of November, where he has been receiving support from a number of different specialists including speech and occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
"After a review meeting, the team are pleased with his progress, but he still has a long way to go on his road to recovery.
"The next steps for George are regaining more of his speech, increasing the movements in his arms and legs which should result in him being able to stand and walk again in time.
"The family and Frankie are supporting George as his recovery continues, with his brother Jack and sister-in-law Alison moving from Scotland to Loughborough to be closer to the rehab centre."
Since the accident, the hashtag #ForGeorge has built up steam on social media as people continue to offer their support to George during his recovery.
Many pros have also been wearing customised tri-suits with '#ForGeorge' emblazoned on them.
We at 220 Triathlon would like to send our best wishes to George, his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Top image credit: Lia Toby/Getty Images for The National Lottery
