Ben Askren, former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter, has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing a double-lung transplant following a severe case of pneumonia. The 40-year-old athlete shared his journey online, detailing the physical and emotional challenges. He lost 50 pounds during his hospitalization and described moments where he nearly lost his life. Despite these hardships, Askren expressed gratitude for the support he received and is now focusing on his rehabilitation.
Askren, who posted a video update from his vehicle with wife Amy driving, highlighted how the experience has been a ‘long journey’ filled with moments of despair. He revealed that he ‘didn’t remember 35 days of this journey,’ including periods where his heart stopped and he was on the brink of death. Amy confirmed that the risks were severe, noting ‘Too close. A few times.’ Despite the near-fatal incidents, Askren remains optimistic about his future. He expressed hope that this will be the last time he faces such a life-threatening situation, stating, ‘I plan on living a while.’
His journey began in early July when he received a lung donor and was seeking prayers. The support he received from fans, friends, and family played a crucial role in his recovery. Friends from across the country visited to offer encouragement, and he received financial support through a GoFundMe campaign. Askren acknowledged the importance of these connections, describing them as ‘so great to just have all this support and all the love.’
Askren has been involved in various ventures after his sports career. He recently signed with Real American Freestyle, the Hulk Hogan endeavor aimed at promoting freestyle wrestling. Prior to his MMA career, he won NCAA championships and competed for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics. His transition from collegiate wrestling to MMA has been marked by several notable fights, including a submission win over Robbie Lawler and a loss to Jorge Masvidal. More recently, he faced Jake Paul in a boxing match and was knocked out in the first round.
Despite the setbacks, Askren’s resilience has been evident. His recent discharge from the hospital signifies a major step in his recovery. However, he acknowledges the ongoing challenges, including the need to relearn basic movements and regain strength. Now, he is focused on rebuilding his life and continuing to engage in activities he once took for granted, while also expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support that helped him through this difficult period.
With his health improving but his recovery still underway, Askren’s story serves as a testament to perseverance and the importance of community support. His journey, marked by both physical and emotional trials, has left an impact on those who followed his progress. As he moves forward with his rehabilitation, his focus remains on ensuring that this is not a recurrence of such a critical health event in the future.