'Bloody Dangerous': Jeremy Clarkson Shows Gruesome Pickleball Injury
What's the Score?
British television personality Jeremy Clarkson has drawn attention to pickleball in a dramatic way, sharing a photo of a bloodied hand after an injury sustained while playing the sport, which he humorously labelled as "bloody dangerous".
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Known for his work on shows like Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy Clarkson recently gave his followers an unexpected update – not on his farming exploits, but on a physical mishap suffered while playing pickleball. Clarkson took to social media to share a photograph of his hand, which appeared significantly blood-soaked, resting on a pickleball racquet. The accompanying caption was straightforward and typically dramatic for Clarkson: "Turns out pickleball is bloody dangerous," he wrote.
The "gruesome" image quickly prompted numerous reactions from his fans. Many commenters expressed surprise, with some humorously pointing out the irony that Clarkson has been involved in various car-related incidents and farming accidents over his career, yet seemed to have been severely injured by pickleball. Comments included remarks like, "He survived car crashes, third world road trips, farming accidents, but it was pickleball that did him in," and playful jibes such as, "you are not supposed to hit the ball with your hand, Jeremy".
This pickleball injury comes relatively soon after Clarkson experienced a more serious health issue. In October, he underwent heart surgery and had a stent fitted. He described experiencing symptoms like feeling "clammy," a "tightness in [his] chest," and "pins and needles in [his] left arm" before seeking medical attention. Doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford determined he was "days away" from becoming very ill at that time.
Despite that significant health scare, Clarkson recently reported feeling "very well," attributing this to changes like taking fewer steps and eating healthier, including less processed food after consulting a dietitian. However, he admitted that despite doctors' advice to slow down, his numerous commitments make it "impossible" to say no to things. The pickleball injury, while seemingly less severe than his heart issue, is another recent physical challenge for the busy personality. It demonstrates that even engaging in recreational sports can lead to unexpected injuries.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Jeremy Clarkson's public sharing of his pickleball injury, while presented with his characteristic dramatic flair, serves as an unintentional piece of publicity for the sport. His celebrity status ensures that his comments and accompanying image reach a wide audience, drawing attention to pickleball. While his claim that the sport is "bloody dangerous" is likely an exaggeration intended for humour, it highlights the physical nature of pickleball and that, like any sport, it carries a risk of bumps and bruises. For a rapidly growing sport, any mention, even one about an injury, increases visibility. It also reinforces the idea that people from all walks of life, including well-known figures, are participating in pickleball, further normalising its widespread adoption. Ultimately, the incident is a memorable, albeit slightly sensationalised, anecdote that adds to the public conversation about the sport.