British speedway legend Tai Woffinden is in a coma after a horror crash in Poland. Woffinden, 34, underwent surgery following multiple fractures and an injury to his chest, team officials say.
Britain’s most successful speedway rider of all-time was racing for his club, Rzeszow, on Saturday when he was involved in a three-rider collision on the first bend. Woffinden crashed into the airfence at high speed.
In a statement, Rzeszow officials said that the 34-year-old was taken by helicopter to hospital in the town of Krosno, where he had surgery at 2am on Sunday. They also confirmed that Woffinden was placed into a medically-induced coma on a ventilator and remains in a stable condition in intensive care.
His wife, Faye, is understood to have flown from Australia to Poland to be by his side while mum Sue has also travelled out.
Three-time world champion Woffinden had only recently made his return to the sport, having suffered a broken elbow last June which cut short his 2024 season. After racing in Poland, he was due to fly back to the UK and ride for the Sheffield Tigers in the British Speedway Premiership against Birmingham on Thursday.
In a statement, Sheffield Speedway said: “As you are most likely aware, Sheffield racer Tai Woffinden was involved in a crash whilst racing in Poland on Sunday. Whilst we understand the concern for Tai’s health and wellbeing, Sheffield Speedway will not be going into any further detail at this stage.
“We are in constant communication with his family – who have confirmed that reports in the Polish media have gone out without their permission or approval. Members of Tai’s family will be flying to the hospital later on Monday evening, where he is currently being treated, and will provide the club with a full update as and when they have learned the full facts and when they are comfortable in doing so.
“Sheffield Speedway once again politely asks supporters not to respond to rumours out of respect to Tai and his family.”
Woffinden won his three Grand Prix world titles in 2013, 2015 and 2018, and he also finished runner-up in 2016 and 2020. He’s received well-wishes on social media, with ex-world champion Greg Hancock, a good friend of his, posting: “Feeling for Tai. Racing can be brutal.”
His former club in Poland, Wroclaw, also said: “Unfortunately a very serious accident in Krosno was reported by Tai Woffinden. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
Another ex-club, Wolverhampton Wolves, posted: “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.”
Rob Godfrey, the promoter of the Scunthorpe Scorpions, where Woffinden started his career in 2006, said, as quoted by BBC Sport: “Speedway world will be hoping for a speedy recovery.”
Godfrey added: “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 okay again.”
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