MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Olympic wrestler and mixed martial arts (MMA) star Ben Askren is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital after a severe case of pneumonia, which led to a double lung transplant. In a recent social media post, Askren shared details of his health struggles, recounting that he has very little memory of the month-long ordeal he endured, spanning from late May to early July.
During an Instagram video, Askren stated, "No recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened," regarding the events of the previous six weeks. His wife, Amy, has been documenting his condition on social media, revealing that he was placed on a ventilator in June and added to the lung transplant donor list on June 24.
Askren expressed his astonishment at the surreal nature of his experience, stating, “I just read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.” Over the course of the intense medical treatment, he lost approximately 50 pounds.
Reflecting on his journey, Askren emphasized the overwhelming sense of support and love he received during his recovery. He elaborated, "The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral."
The 40-year-old athlete, originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has predominantly lived in Wisconsin, where he operates a youth wrestling academy. Askren’s athletic career includes notable achievements such as winning back-to-back NCAA titles at the University of Missouri and competing as a wrestler for Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Following his wrestling career, he transitioned to MMA, competing in prestigious organizations like Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC.
Askren concluded his professional MMA career in October 2019 after a defeat by Demian Maia, finishing with a record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and one no contest. However, he made a brief return to the ring in April 2021, facing social media personality Jake Paul in a boxing match, which resulted in a technical knockout loss in the first round. That fight garnered considerable attention, selling around 500,000 pay-per-view events.
As Askren continues his recovery journey, he remains a figure of resilience and determination, illustrating the challenges faced by individuals battling severe health issues. His experiences highlight not only the physical toll of such medical crises but also the emotional support systems that become integral during times of adversity.
