Ben Askren’s Emotional Update After Lung Transplant
Ben Askren, a former NCAA national wrestling champion turned mixed martial arts competitor, has shared an emotional video update following his recent double lung transplant. This serious surgical procedure came after Askren battled a critical pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for an extended period exceeding a month.
Heartfelt Video from the Hospital
In a heartfelt 2.5-minute video posted on Instagram from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old athlete revealed that he has no recollection of the time frame between May 28 and July 2. During this period, he has relied on the accounts of his wife, Amy Askren, who has been by his side throughout his ordeal. In the video, Askren recounted reading through her journal, describing it as a surreal experience, akin to a film, noting with a touch of humor,
“I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal.”
Critical Condition and Community Support
On June 7, Amy took to Facebook to inform followers of her husband’s critical condition while he was sedated in a Wisconsin hospital. She explained that Askren’s serious pneumonia stemmed from a staph infection, which left him unconscious and dependent on a ventilator for life support. The family’s situation drew widespread attention, and Amy expressed her desperation as she “prayed for a miracle” for her husband. Fortunately, by June 17, Askren began making some progress, being able to open his eyes and squeeze her hand, though supplemental oxygen remained necessary for his breathing. Eventually, his doctors indicated that a lung transplant would likely be required.
As Askren’s health condition became known, a wave of support flooded in from fans and the community, including fundraising efforts to alleviate the financial burden of his medical expenses. He expressed gratitude in his video update, acknowledging the incredible support he received during a trying time, stating that it felt almost like attending his own funeral.
Reflections on Legacy and Recovery
Reflecting on the legacy of fellow wrestler Dave Schultz, who passed away years prior, Askren remarked on the importance of acknowledging loved ones while they are still alive, saying that it motivated him to continue giving back in meaningful ways.
Currently, Askren is on the road to recovery, although he has experienced significant weight loss, dropping 50 pounds to reach 147 pounds for the first time since he was a teenager. He indicated that his recovery is progressing positively, as he regains strength and learns to navigate life anew after such an extensive health setback.
Ben Askren’s Wrestling and MMA Career
Having been born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Askren’s illustrious wrestling career at the University of Missouri included two NCAA Division I championships at 147 pounds, along with awards such as the Dan Hodge Trophy for the best collegiate wrestler in the country. Beyond wrestling, he also represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and later transitioned into mixed martial arts, where he achieved notable titles and victories, including championships in Bellator and ONE FC. His MMA career concluded with a brief stint in the UFC before he retired after one boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, which ended in a loss through technical knockout.
Closing Words of Appreciation
Ben Askren closed his emotional message with words of appreciation for the love and support he and his family have received during this challenging chapter of their lives, stating,
“I love you guys. I appreciate you all because it’s been tough, not only on me but my whole family and my close community.”
