Paralympic champion Simon Richardson is in a critical condition after being involved in a hit-and-run incident with a van in south Wales.
- Simon Richardson leading the Dragon Ride preview earlier this year
Richardson was airlifted to the University of Wales hospital in Cardiff with multiple injuries after being thrown from his bike to the side of the A48. A 59-year-old man from the Cowbridge area was later arrested.
The 44-year-old Richardson was awarded an MBE in 2009 after winning two golds and a silver at the Beijing Paralympic Games.
“South Wales police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 9.40am on Wednesday 17 August at the A48 Crack Hill, outside Crack Hill House, Bridgend,” said police inspector Tony McAlinden.
“The Welsh Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson MBE was involved in the road traffic accident. He was apparently struck by a small white van travelling in the same direction.
“The van did not stop and continued east along the A48 in the general direction of Cowbridge.”
Two cars were later involved in a crash at the same scene, resulting in a 74-year-old woman being treated for chest injuries.
Richardson was left with serious leg and back injuries after being involved in an incident with a car while riding with friends in 2001.
Doctors encouraged Richardson to continue cycling on an adapted bike, powered by his right leg, as they said it would help with his rehabilitation.
He went on to win Great Britain’s first gold medal in Beijing in the LC3/4 1km time trial in world record time, before topping the podium for a second time in the LC3/4 kilo and claiming silver in the LC3 time trial.
British Cycling’s Paralympic performance manager Gareth Sheppard said: “We were shocked and saddened by the news that Simon was seriously injured while out on his bike yesterday.
“Simon won three medals for Britain at the Beijing Paralympics and we hope the same determination and strength that have made him such an outstanding athlete will help him pull through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Anyone with information should contact South Wales Police on 02920 633438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
