Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped male rugby player, has disclosed that he underwent heart surgery earlier this year following a health scare during an open training session with his club, Leicester Tigers. The 34-year-old shared his experience on his podcast, “For The Love Of Rugby,” detailing the events leading to his diagnosis and surgery and expressing his optimism for the upcoming English Premiership season.
A Frightening Moment at Leicester Tigers
Youngs recounted the alarming incident that occurred during a training session at Leicester Tigers, where he experienced an uncontrollable heart rate. “You know when we joked around on the pod quite a while back, and we had this open training session at Leicester, and I said I was doing fitness, and basically I collapsed,” Youngs explained. “Well, not collapsed, but I had to stop and lay down as my heart was pounding away, and the rain was hitting me in the face, and I sort of rolled my head to the side and looked at all these admiring fans – 30 of them – that were all packed out in the main stand at Leicester.”
Reflecting on the episode, Youngs thought, “This is it, this is how I’m gonna go.” He revealed that he had experienced similar episodes throughout his life, unknowingly living with arrhythmia and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
The Path to Diagnosis and Surgery
Following the training session incident, Youngs sought medical attention and was diagnosed with arrhythmia and SVT, conditions that cause irregular and rapid heartbeats. To correct these issues, he underwent a two-hour operation at a hospital in Birmingham. “I am on the mend, I am recovering. I’ll be fine for the start of the season,” Youngs reassured his audience. “There is a 90 per cent success rate, so I should not suffer now. My ticker should be all good and it won’t suddenly kick in and go mental.”
An Illustrious Rugby Career
Ben Youngs has enjoyed a distinguished rugby career, earning a record 127 caps for England. His final international appearance came in 2023 during England’s third-place play-off victory against Argentina at the Rugby World Cup, after which he announced his retirement from international rugby. Throughout his career, Youngs’ contributions to the sport have been significant, and his resilience and determination continue to inspire many.
Looking Forward to the New Season
Despite the health scare, Youngs remains optimistic about his recovery and is eager to return to the field for the new English Premiership season starting in September. His unwavering commitment to rugby and his team is evident, as he aims to continue performing at the highest level. “I am on the mend, I am recovering. I’ll be fine for the start of the season,” Youngs reiterated. His successful surgery and subsequent recovery highlight his strength and perseverance.
Raising Awareness and Providing Reassurance
By sharing his story, Youngs aims to raise awareness about heart conditions and the importance of seeking medical advice when experiencing unusual symptoms. His transparency about his condition and surgery serves as a reminder that even elite athletes can face health challenges, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Youngs’ candidness has offered reassurance to many, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome such obstacles and continue pursuing one’s passion.
Conclusion
Ben Youngs’ revelation about his heart surgery underscores the challenges that even top athletes can encounter and highlights the importance of health and well-being. His determination to return to rugby stronger than ever is inspiring, exemplifying the resilience required to overcome adversity. As Youngs prepares for the new season, fans and fellow players alike will undoubtedly cheer him on, appreciating both his contributions to the sport and his courageous journey back to health.
By openly discussing his experience, Youngs has not only brought attention to important health issues but also reinforced the value of resilience and optimism. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right care and determination, it is possible to overcome significant health challenges and continue to achieve greatness.
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