Speedway star Tai Woffinden, 34, speaks for the first time after coming out of coma following horror crash
TAI WOFFINDEN admits he is “on the mend” after a horror crash left him in a coma.
Britain’s most successful speedway rider of all-time got caught in a three-rider and bike pile-up and smashed into the airfence at high speed while racing for Rzeszow a fortnight ago.
Woffy, 34, was airlifted to hospital in Krosno and underwent emergency surgery after suffering numerous fractures and a chest injury.
He was put in a medically induced coma as he recovered from three major operations.
But he is now sitting up in hospital in Poland and has spoken for the first time since the crash.
He said: “Hey guys, turns out my injuries and an induced coma ain’t no joke.
“I’m on the mend, but please bear with me for now. I just need a little more time to rest and gather my thoughts. I’ll update you all later on in the week.
“Please know how much I appreciate everyone’s love and support from all over the world.”
His Great Britain team-mate and world No.2 Robert Lambert paid tribute to his pal and inspiration.
He said: “Tai’s had a pretty rough year really and that’s part of the sport.
“It’s either so good or sometimes it can go so bad, but we all know the risks, and it’s horrible to see something like that happen, and especially him.
“But I’m sure every rider, we all wish him the best and the likes he’d come back from.”
Another fellow GB mate and World No.4 Dan Bewley added: “You never want to see any rider get hurt, and especially in the way Tai has in the recent fall crash.
“He’s been unlucky with how things have gone the last few years, and I know he’s been working hard to come back strong.
“Every time he’s tried to do so, he gets another kick in the backside, which is not good.
“Hopefully he’s stable and everything is going to be going in a positive direction for him now.”
Woffinden’s wife Faye said last week that he was “fighting, healing and resting”.
After flying from Australia to Poland to be by his side, Faye and his mum Sue emotionally wrote: “Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine.
“Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much.
“And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.
“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.
“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.
“To the special person we cannot name, whose quick actions arranged the helicopter to the track so promptly, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital —you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.
“To Dr. Paweł Jasiński, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafał Roger Piątek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.
“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Paweł Piskorz and Michał Drymajło your unwavering support means everything.
“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.
“Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it.”