'Impossible to estimate' when BMX star Jelle van Gorkom might wake from coma

Van Gorkom, who won silver at the Rio Games last summer, sustained broken ribs, a fracture to his face, a tear in his skull as well as damage to the liver, spleen and kidneys during an accident at the beginning of training on Friday in Papendal, the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) confirmed.

The 27-year-old is no longer being given medication to keep him asleep, but it remains to be seen just when the Dutchman will regain consciousness.

A statement on the KNWU website read: "J elle van Gorkom is no longer receiving sleep medication. That means that he now has to wake up from his coma on his own. How long this will take is currently impossible to estimate.

"Van Gorkom responds to stimuli and his body shows recovery. However, there are concerns about the impact of the accident on his brain. The doctors cannot make any statements about this at this stage."

Holland's BMX team coach Bas de Bever said: "The thoughts of the national squad are with Jelle, his girlfriend and his family. Let us now give them peace and privacy."