Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s raw confession about horror smash
Sporting legend Andrew Flintoff has opened up about the devastating impact of the horror accident that almost claimed his life.
England sporting legend Andrew Flintoff has opened up about the devastating impact of the horror car crash that almost claimed his life.
The English cricket great was severely injured while filming cult motorsport show Top Gear three years ago. He was airlifted to hospital after the incident and spend years out of the public eye during his recovery.
Flintoff had been driving an open-topped Morgan Super 3, – capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200km/h – and not wearing a helmet when the car flipped during filming.
According to The Sun, the car dragged his face along the ground as it travelled at around 70 km/h, cutting open the side of his nose, cheek and lips as well as shattering his jawbone and teeth.
MORE: Australia’s cheapest EV revealed
The 47-year-old suffered broken ribs and serious facial injuries in the smash.
The accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, England left him not only physically injured but also mentally and he says it turned him into a “snappy mess”.
“I suffer from PTSD, I have flashbacks and nightmares, but I’ve probably got more of an acceptance of them now,” Flintoff said.
“But I suppose that the biggest thing it did do, was brought me back to cricket. Family and friends and cricket have been things that now, have probably helped me more than anything.”
He added: “(After the crash) I would get snappy and angry.
“The kids were incredible. It was the younger one, Preston, because he would have been about two, two and a half, at the time and he wouldn’t come near me to begin with because I was a mess.
“It’s all good now. But [my wife] Rachael was strong. I suppose she had to be for both of us.”
MORE: Cyber attack costs car maker billions
Flintoff was first pictured a year after the December 2022 crash, while working as a coach for England’s national side.
Footage of the crash was aired earlier this year, as part of a documentary.
The shocking incident lead to the eventual cancellation of Top Gear by the BBC.
Flintoff said he had finally returned to the driver’s seat in huge step forward in terms of his recovery.
“I’ve only been driving about four months, four or five months … and I’m alright now.,” he told Piers Morgan Uncensored.
MORE:Bathurst thrilled proves Toyota right
“To begin with, I was a bit nervy, you know, even playing golf, for a long period of time. I took golf up in the past few years and love it.
“But I wouldn’t even drive the golf buggy. I can’t walk because my knees are bad, so I get one of my mates to drive. Just being slapped behind the wheel and getting all them thoughts back.
“I’m better than I was. But I suppose it’s just always going to be something I’ve got to keep aware of.
“It’s always a work in progress. You know, I think the crash changed things a hell of a lot.
“After the crash, I had all types of different treatment from trauma care to psychiatric care, to cognitive tests and this, that and the other. And I stopped after a while.
MORE: New tech to boost EV values
“You know, whether it’s right or wrong, I’ve got to get on with this. And there are triggers, and there’s PTSD and flashbacks.
“And every time I go to bed at night, I’m back (at the crash).”
Aus testing reveals EV reality
Tesla killer hits the road
A new electric vehicle with more than 800km of range threatens to reset benchmarks.
Car boss warns China ‘will take over’
European car makers fighting for their future are divided by the role of electric vehicles.