Tobias Thomsen suffers severe injuries in Plymouth Gladiators crash
Plymouth Gladiators speedway rider Tobias Thomsen has sustained multiple severe injuries, including a punctured lung and a broken femur, following a collision with Poole Pirates’ Richard Lawson on Friday evening.
The 31-year-old was transported immediately to hospital following the heat-one incident during his debut meeting for his new club.
The Danish racer was struck from behind by his former teammate during the early stages of the fixture between the two rivals.
Extensive medical trauma
Providing an update from his hospital bed, the Scandinavian detailed the extreme extent of the physical damage sustained in the crash.
He revealed that a titanium bar has been surgically inserted from his knee to his hip to stabilise a fractured femur.
“In the face, around the eye, I have three minor fractures in the bones, which fortunately do not require surgery,” said Thomsen.
The former Poole Pirates representative has also suffered three broken ribs alongside a small, but non-threatening, brain haemorrhage.
Riders maintain mutual respect
Despite the severity of the incident, there remains absolutely no animosity between the two competitors.
“This is a race accident and I have no grudge against Lawson – I know this could happen,” the recovering athlete explained.
Lawson swiftly responded to the online update to express his profound regret over his involvement in the horrific collision.
“I am absolutely gutted for you, wish I wasn’t the other rider in this with you,” stated Lawson.
Determination to return
The Plymouth-based outfit released a statement confirming their rider is determined to regain full fitness and evaluate his long-term career options.
Fans have quickly rallied around the stricken sportsman, raising nearly £1,400 through trackside collections to support his recovery and assist with machinery repairs.
“Going to do my best to get back in shape and see where this takes me in the future, I want to race again because it’s what makes me happy and feel alive,” Thomsen concluded.
