Ben Askren refuses to get discouraged.
In a video posted Saturday on his social media accounts, Askren went shirtless to show off his post-lung transplant physique. He revealed he needs a walker to get around and can barely lift a five-pound weight.
Despite being 35 pounds down and in a weakened physical condition, Askren vowed to bounce back and issued a challenge to those who have a long road to physical wellness.
“I’ve been home for four days now,” Askren said. “It’s awesome. I can sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, hang out with my family. It’s great. That being said, I still have so many physical challenges to deal with. I’m still down about 35 pounds from where I should be. I have to walk with a walker. I can’t walk. I can’t walk. This five pound weight, this is actually hard for me to curl. Right before I had to go to the hospital, like in this video here, I was feeling strong. I was probably curling 45 pounds. I definitely wasn’t using a walker. I was probably out doing hill sprints. So we go back to the Stockholm paradox I was talking about. I am where I am right now, but I’m going to be somewhere different in a month.
“I’m going to work my ass off. I’m going to get better. So why can’t you, too? What are you waiting for? There’s barely anyone in the world that’s in lower physical condition than me right now. I can’t walk out without using a walker or do a five-pound curl. It’s pathetic. I totally understand it. But it doesn’t matter where I’m starting. I’m going to finish somewhere different. So some of you guys who aren’t getting started, get your butt moving. Get started. I’ve got a long way to go. Maybe you do, too. Let’s make it happen.”
Askren, 40, recently revealed he died four times as he battled for his life. He lost 50 pounds in 45 days and was not aware for nearly half of that time. Askren said when he became conscious, he read through all of the supportive messages and felt as if he had attended his own funeral. He was on a ventilator prior to his transplant procedure.
It’s still not known publicly how Askren ended up being hospitalized, though he and his wife Amy have indicated they might reveal more details as time progresses.
The news drew widespread reaction from the combat sports world, with numerous athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC publicly expressing thoughts and prayers for the former ONE and Bellator champion. The UFC’s June 14 broadcast featured a segment wishing Askren well.
