Wisconsin, USA- Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren announced on Wednesday that he has undergone a double lung transplant and is now in recovery in a Wisconsin hospital, following a severe and life-threatening case of pneumonia.
A Harrowing Six Weeks: “I Only Died Four Times”
In an emotional Instagram video, the 40-year-old Askren revealed a terrifying ordeal, stating he has “no recollection, zero idea” of what transpired over a month-long period from late May through the first two days of July. His wife, Amy, had been providing updates on social media, detailing how Askren was placed on a ventilator in June and added to the lung transplant donor list on June 24.
Askren vividly recounted the severity of his condition, sharing, “I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal, I don’t know if you guys know that.” During the harrowing 45-day stretch, he lost approximately 50 pounds, a testament to the immense toll the illness took on his body.
Overwhelmed by Support and a “Funeral” Experience
Despite the traumatic experience, Askren expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of love he received. “The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt,” he shared. “It was almost like I got to have my own funeral.” This sentiment highlights the immense support from the wrestling and MMA communities, as well as his close family and friends, who rallied around him during his critical condition.
Askren’s Storied Career
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Askren has predominantly resided in Wisconsin, where he operates a youth wrestling academy. His illustrious career includes:
- Collegiate Wrestling: Winning back-to-back NCAA titles at the University of Missouri.
- Olympic Representation: Competing for the U.S. at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- MMA Stardom: A successful professional MMA career with a record of 19-2 (one no-contest), fighting for prominent organizations like Bellator and ONE Championship before his stint in the UFC. He retired from MMA after a loss to Demian Maia in October 2019.
- Brief Boxing Return: A notable exhibition boxing match in April 2021 against social media personality Jake Paul, which Paul won by technical knockout in the first round.
Now, as he begins the long road to recovery from this life-altering surgery, the resilient spirit that defined his athletic career will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of his healing process.
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