Speedway rider in coma after racing crash

A three-time speedway world champion is in a medically induced coma after a crash in Poland, according to team officials.

Tai Woffinden, from Scunthorpe, had been racing for his club Rzeszow on Sunday when he was involved in a collision with a teammate.

In a statement, club officials said Woffinden was taken by helicopter to hospital where he underwent surgery after suffering multiple fractures and an injury to his chest.

The 34-year-old has been placed into a medically-induced coma on a ventilator and is in a stable condition in intensive care, the club confirmed.

Woffinden had only recently made a comeback to the sport after he suffered a broken elbow in June which ended his 2024 season.

In addition to racing in Poland, he was due back in the UK to ride for the Sheffield Tigers in the British Speedway Premiership against Birmingham on Thursday.

The South Yorkshire club has asked fans not to share rumours about the crash "out of respect for Tai and his family".

Woffinden is one of the country's most decorated racers after winning three Grand Prix world titles in 2013, 2015 and 2018. He also finished runner-up in 2016 and 2020.

Rob Godfrey, the promoter of the Scunthorpe Scorpions where Woffinden started his career in 2006, said the "speedway world will be hoping for a speedy recovery".

He said: "I spoke to him last week and he was so focussed on his racing.

"This was going to be a rebuilding year to get back to the world championships in 2026 so it's bitterly disappointing.

"Every time these riders get on a bike they put themselves on the line. Hopefully he will recover from it and be ok again."

Woffinden previously rode for Wolverhampton Wolves.

In a social media post the club said: "Wishing our Wolf World Champion, Tai Woffinden, a full and speedy recovery.

"Your strength, determination, and spirit continue to inspire us all - we're right behind you every step of the way.

"Stay strong, Tai."

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