Speedway star Tai Woffinden is awake and says he needs “more time to rest” after a horrific crash in Poland last month saw him placed in a medically-induced coma. The serious incident came after Britain’s most successful speedway star was racing for his team Rzeszow.
Woffinden, from Scunthorpe, was involved in a three-rider collision on the first bend after he crashed into an airfence at high speed and he picked up multiple fractures and a chest injury. The 34-year-old was transferred to hospital by helicopter and placed in a coma and put on a ventilator. He has now released a picture of himself from his hospital bed after coming out of the coma after admitting his situation had been a serious one.
“Hey guys,” he wrote. “Turns out my injuries and an induced coma ain’t no joke. Im on the mend, please bear with me for now. I just need a little more time to rest.
“I’ll update you all later on in the week. Please know how much i appreciate all the love and support from all over the world.”
Woffinden is regarded as one of the UK’s most decorated speedway racers after winning three Grand Prix titles in 2013, 2015 and 2018, having been runner up in 2016 and 2020.
He grew up in Australia before returning to Scunthorpe to race for the Scunthorpe Scorpions. His wife Faye, who lives in Australia, flew out to be by his bedside after his horrific clash and thanked fans for their sport.
She said on Instagram: “Right now, our hearts are heavy, and we are taking things one moment at a time. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your patience, your love, and your support – it truly means the world to us.
“In the midst of this incredibly difficult time, your support reminds us that we are not facing this alone.
“However, we are still processing everything and need a little more time to understand where things stand before sharing any further updates. We appreciate your patience and understanding more than we can say. We will share more when we are able. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
On Monday Sheffield Speedway called on fans not to speculate or spread rumours online about the condition of the three-time world champion. “We are in constant communication with his family,” it said.
“Members of Tai’s family will be flying to the hospital later on Monday evening, where he is currently being treated, and will provide the club with a full update as and when they have learned the full facts and when they are comfortable in doing so.
“Sheffield Speedway once again politely asks supporters not to respond to rumours out of respect to Tai and his family.”
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