Iwan’s baby agony
Newborn son in hospital with breathing problems after premature arrival
THE baby son of Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas was in hospital yesterday after being born prematurely.
Teddy Ellis Thomas was taken to intensive care due to problems with his breathing after arriving “a little bit early and fast” on Saturday, said Iwan.
The Welsh champion, 44, said he had gone home “the happiest man alive” after the birth of his first child, only to get a call saying the boy had fallen ill.
He said the boy’s mum, whose name he has not revealed, was “doing well”.
Posting a photo of his son online, he wrote: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life, looking at my everything with tubes everywhere in an incubator. He’s beginning to breathe better for himself without full aid of machines. I now know what true unconditional love is.”
One picture shows Teddy in an incubator, connected to a breathing device.
Iwan, who won silver in the 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, continued: “I’m in bits worried, but must say the staff here at Princess Anne
IWAN THOMAS ON HIS FIRST SON, WHO WAS BORN PREMATURELY ON SATURDAY
hospital Southampton are truly amazing. Not out the woods yet but I will keep you all posted.
“Hopefully everything will be fine, he just needs a little help as he came into the world a little bit early and fast.”
Fellow Olympic athletes rushed to send their good wishes. Gold medalwinning swimmer Rebecca Adlington, 29, said: “Oh my gosh. He’s gorgeous. Sending so much love and support.”
Another gold medallist, rower Helen Glover, 32, who lost one of her twins while pregnant in April and gave birth to a son in July, said: “Sending love and strength to you all and your little one.”
Iwan had been keeping his followers up to date on the pregnancy via Instagram but has remained tight-lipped about the identity of his partner.
Since retiring from athletics he has appeared on reality shows including Strictly Come Dancing in 2015. The former European and Commonwealth Games 400m champion was awarded an MBE in 1998 for services to sport.
He just needs a little help as he came into the world a little bit early and fast