‘I am struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, flashbacks’ – Flintoff recalls horrific road crash
‘I have nightmares, flashbacks’ – Andrew Flintoff recalls horrific road crash
December 2022 was rough for two cricketers – former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, as both suffered multiple and severe injuries in respective road crashes. While Pant came out with his side of the story earlier, recalling what happened during the accident and how hard it was for him to get back on his feet, Flintoff admits to struggling with anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks about this even today.
Filming for BBC’s series Top Gear in December 2022, Flintoff suffered several facial injuries during the horrific crash, leading the broadcasting corporation to suspend the show’s production immediately. Later, Flintoffreceived £9 million in compensation for the ordeal.
Almost one and a half year later, the former England great shared his side of the story in a new BBC series titled Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams on Tour, revealing his post-traumatic experience.
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“I genuinely should not be here after what happened. I don't want to sit and feel sorry for myself. I don't want sympathy. I'm struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks - it's been so hard to cope.
“But I'm thinking if I don't do something, I'll never go. I've got to get on with it. I am struggling already, and I need help. I really am. I'm not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes," Flintoff said, quoted by multiple news outlets worldwide.
“I've got to look at the positives; I've got another chance, and I'm going to go at it. I'm seeing that as how it is - a second go. But you see that, and it pales into insignificance in comparison.
“You come to a place like this, and you see all these kids, it's inspiring because all of them have had hardship in their lives. It's bizarre, I'm getting quite emotional as I'm speaking...I'm going to have to put my sunglasses on!" he added.
Back on his feet
Since suffering multiple facial injuries in that accident, Flintoff, in the latest footage, which aired earlier this week, reveals he contemplated travelling to India (earlier this year) for the Test series as part of England's backroom staff as he struggled to leave his home while coping up with anxiety. Although the decision wasn’t easy for him, he accepted the job.
Meanwhile, the former all-rounder is working as the full-time coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
(With inputs from agencies)
