A Phoenix, Arizona bicycle accident is making news as far away as the United Kingdom, after an Olympic gold medalist was injured after being rear-ended on his bicycle, the London Daily Mirror reported.
James Cracknell, 38, was thrown from his bike after being hit from behind by a truck at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Mirror reported that he was wearing a helmet and was making good progress, despite a gash to the back of his head and bruising on the brain.
Cracknell won a gold metal for Britain in 2000 and 2004 and was filming a TV serious called Cracknell’s Race Across America for the Discovery Channel. He was trying to break an endurance record by traveling from New York to Los Angeles by running, cycling, rowing in swimming, in just 16 days.
The Sun, (also a U.K. newspaper) said the accident occurred on a quiet road in Winslow, Arizona.
“James was taken to hospital where is being treated for a head injury.” the Discovery Channel said in a statement. “He is conscious and his condition is stable; doctors have said he is making good progress. His wife and family are at his side as he continues to recover.”