Alex Yee remembers horror crash which almost ended his triathlon career, eight years on

World and Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee has marked the eight-year anniversary of his horrific Cagliari bike crash by posting a picture on social media of the street bollard which could have killed him.

Only 19 at the time and still studying for his A-levels, the severity of the collision and lengthy recovery process raised serious questions over whether the talented youngster could ever return to the rigours of international competition.

Having hit the bollard at high speed, Yee woke up in hospital to the daunting prospect of embarking on a 10-month recovery process having suffered five broken ribs, a broken vertebrae and a collapsed lung.

Yee was lucky to survive

Indeed, doctors at the time remarked how he had been incredibly lucky just to survive the incident, stating that a direct blow to the head at such a speed could have cost him his life.

That sort of physical and mental setback would have been enough to end many careers, but not Yee. He has since truly stamped his brilliance on the world of triathlon, with a medal haul which now includes two gold, a silver and a bronze in the Olympics, a gold, silver and bronze at the World Championships and two golds at the Commonwealth Games.

And yet, despite all the medals, it could be argued that it is his record since returning to Cagliari which is a sign of just how determined and mentally strong this brilliant competitor truly is, with three consecutive World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) wins from four appearances.

Alex Yee wins WTCS Cagliari in brilliant style in 2024 (Photo Credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon)

As well as posting a picture of the bollard, Alex also included an image of him laying on the road in the immediate aftermath of the incident, shots of him recovering in hospital and a snap of the doctor who treated him on that fateful day in 2017.

Alex remembers

His post read: “8 years ago I had a battle with this bollard in Cagliari. It won that year but I’ve been lucky enough to return 4 times and win 3 of them along with many other special memories.

“Bad times can feel helpless but if you look there is always opportunities. Seek clarity in these moments, surround yourself with the right people and your well on your way. So grateful to still be doing what I love! X

“Last picture was taken in 2024 and is with my doctor: Antonia who looked after me in my 4 weeks in hospital after the crash, who came to watch me race!”

Alex is currently facing up to a different fitness battle, having picked up a ‘small acute overload injury’ while competing in the London Marathon in April, but is hoping that he can be ready to compete again before the end of this year.