Paralympic champion Simon Richardson injured in hit and run incident

The paralympian cyclist Simon Richardson MBE is in a critical condition following a collision with a van yesterday morning.

The 44 year old was airlifted to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff after the accident at Crack Hill near Bridgend, South Wales.

Richardson, a winner of two golds and a silver at the 2008 Paralympics, had been riding his bike in an easterly direction on the A48 at approximately 9:40am when he was apparently struck by a small white van traveling in the same direction.

The van did not stop at the scene but a 59 year old man was later arrested in relation to the incident. He was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

According to South Wales Police, Richardson was thrown from his cycle to the side of the road.

Two further vehicles were then also in collision at the same location. The 74 yr old female driver of one of these vehicles was treated for chest injuries in a local hospital but later released.

South Wales Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 02920 633438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

According to BBC Wales, Richardson has been diagnosed with multiple fractures of the spine, a broken pelvis and a broken breast bone.

This is the second serious accident that Richardson has been involved in.

In 2001 he was also struck from behind by a vehicle.

Despite shattering his leg and breaking his back in two places, Richardson returned to the sport to become a Paralympic champion.

On the track in Bejing he won LC3/4 1km time trial and 3km individual pursuit. He also claimed a silver in the road time trial and assisted team mate Darren Kenny to victory in the road race.