Renowned English cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has candidly discussed his mental health challenges following a harrowing accident while filming for Top Gear, which left him with severe facial injuries.
Flintoff revealed the struggle of readjusting to “normal” life after the incident in 2022, sharing that he remained confined to his home for six months and often found it difficult to even leave his bedroom.
The former Ashes rival from Australia opened up during a heartfelt conversation with ex-England captain Mike Atherton, featured in The Times.
“On that day in Cardiff [during the September 2023 series], it took me ten attempts to finally leave my hotel room. I just couldn’t bring myself to step outside,” Flintoff recounted.
“I was overwhelmed with anxiety and concern. Eventually, I made it down to breakfast and ended up chatting with Reece Topley and Jos Buttler.”
England coach Andrew Flintoff during a nets session in London, England. Getty
“In the dressing room, Joe Root approached me—he’s one of the finest people you could ever meet—and the whole squad really welcomed me.”
Flintoff was involved in a serious accident while driving a Morgan Super 3 three-wheeled sports car without a helmet, which overturned and crashed off the Top Gear test track in Surrey.
The incident occurred during a filming session, with the vehicle capable of reaching speeds over 200km/h.
In addition to suffering severe facial injuries, Flintoff also sustained multiple broken ribs from the crash.
“Gradually, I started to regain my confidence. Even just sitting on the balcony and being photographed made a difference,” he reflected.
“The media coverage was even sympathetic towards me. It’s truly remarkable what a serious accident can do.”
As a result of Flintoff’s accident, Top Gear’s production was halted “for the foreseeable future” due to the seriousness of the incident.
Flintoff is making a documentary in collaboration with Disney+, capturing his journey of recovery and his efforts to regain a sense of normalcy, following the trauma he faced in 2022, including “nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks.”
Andrew Flintoff suffered severe facial injuries due to the 2022 crash. Getty
Joining the cast of BBC One’s Top Gear in 2019 alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, Flintoff subsequently received $18.7 million AUD in compensation from the BBC following the accident, as reported by The Sun.
“The experience will always be a part of me, but in some ways, I’ve managed to find acceptance in it. I’m no longer fighting against it,” he remarked regarding the lasting physical and mental effects of the crash.
“Even though I still have flashbacks and feelings of anxiety, I’m more aware of them now and have come to terms with it.”
Having played in 79 Test matches between 1998 and 2007, Flintoff retired from international play with the England team in 2010 at the age of 31.
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