Former Welsh star rushed to hospital during Ironman
NEWS: Former Wales loose forward Alix Popham was hospitalized with a suspected concussion while he was competing at the Wales Ironman.
The 43-year-old failed to recognize his wife when he exited the water. It is believed he received a kick to the head during the swim.
Popham has been vocal about his diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy at the age of 40.
Popham won 33 caps between 2003 and 2008 and played at two World Cups. He was competing in aid of Head for Change, a charitable foundation calling for positive change to aid brain health in sport that supports ex-players suffering from neurodegenerative disease.
He began his career with Newport in 1998 before moving to Leeds Tykes in 2002. He spent three years in England before returning to Wales with the Llanelli Scarlets in 2005.
The full course on Tenby’s North Beach involves a 2.4-mile sea swim, hilly 112-mile bike ride, and full marathon to be completed within 17 hours.
Popham was among 2,000 athletes who lined up for the grueling endurance event.
