Alix Popham did not recognize his wife and was hospitalized with a concussion

Alix Popham was raising money for his charity Head For Change when the incident took place. Credit: Getty Images/Ryan Sosna-Bode

Alix Popham, a concussion campaigner and former Welsh international, was believed to have suffered a concussion while attending a charity fundraiser on Sunday.

Popham failed to recognize his wife after he was kicked in the head while swimming. an Ironman competition in Tenby, Pembrokeshire.

The 43-year-old was taken to the hospital after his condition worsened after he got out of the water, having previously been dizzy and had a headache.

Popham attended a fundraiser for his charity Head For Change and was photographed in front of starting the race alongside former Wales internationals Ian Gough and Shane Williams.

And they're gone!

Best of luck to Progressive Rugby players @AlixPopham and @VanGough4 who are participating in @IRONMANtri in Tenby right now🏴footballfootball_football_football in Tenby right now as part of a great @Head4Change supporting team including @ShaneWilliams11 and actor @marklewisjones

Good luck!https://t.co/lKGAR37DCf pic.twitter.com/lihqjlvQPb

— Progressive Rugby (@ProgressiveRug) September 3, 2023

Progressive Rugby, a player advocacy group, said: «After several months of intense training to raise money for concussion education and support, Alix was forced to withdraw after she was suspected of suffering a concussion from a kick to the head in sailing time.

< p>“Alix couldn't recognize Mel's wife when she got out of the water. Despite the dizziness and headache, he appeared normal, but his condition worsened and he is currently being transported by ambulance to the hospital. Updates are released by permission.”

In a triathlon interview with Telegraph Sport this week, Popham expressed his belief that he potentially suffered thousands of concussions in training.

«It was like the Wild West, just chaos,» Popham said, adding that he doesn't remember anything from his career. “I am proud of what I have achieved. I can't remember it, but I don't regret anything. I just want to share with us what was known. Then perhaps you would have made a different choice.”