James Middleton, the fitness influencer who first rose to fame on Survival of the Fittest in 2018, had a scary moment during a recent half marathon when he collapsed just yards from the finish line, sending shockwaves through his fans.
A Near-Death Experience in the Race for Glory
The 700k-followed fitness star took to social media from his hospital bed, giving a heartfelt update after the terrifying collapse. “My half marathon didn’t quite go to plan as you can probably tell,” James said, hooked up to an IV drip. “I collapsed about 50 or 100 yards from the finish line. I don’t remember anything.”
James was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening temperature of 107°F (41.6°C). “I was in an ice bath for 20 minutes to cool down, but I don’t remember that either,” he explained, revealing the intense exhaustion and heatstroke that nearly cost him his life.
A Heroic Rescue: Quick-Thinking Friend Saves His Life
Luckily, a quick-thinking friend jumped into action and literally saved James’ life by rushing to him and getting him over the railings before he collapsed completely. James praised his friend’s actions as “life-saving”.
What Happened Next? The Shocking Diagnosis
The influencer was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a condition where muscle tissue breaks down so aggressively that it releases proteins into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney failure.
James continued, “I’m in great hands with the medical team here, and I’m incredibly grateful for their care.”
Thankful to Be Alive, James Reflects on the Scary Experience
After the shocking health scare, James expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thankful to be alive, and I think for the foreseeable, I’ll take a break from racing and get stuck into some yoga.”
Fans Show Support After Scary Incident
His followers flooded the comments with love and support, with many sharing their relief. One fan wrote, “So glad you’re okay James!! How scary.” Another added, “Speedy recovery! Glad to see you’re ok!”
James’ close call serves as a reminder of how quickly things can take a turn, and his fans are all wishing him a fast and full recovery.
