Good news on Camilla Pedersen’s condition as the Danish Ironman star has been taken out of a medically induced coma meant to relieve pressure due to a brain hemorrhage suffered in a bike crash during training on September 3rd in her home town of Esbjerg.

According to a release issued by the Danish Triathlon Federation, Pedersen is now breathing on her own after doctors at Odense University Hospital took her off the induced coma state. On Sunday Pedersen opened her eyes and on Tuesday she was transferred to the Hammel Neuro Center where she will begin rehabilitation therapy.

"We have waited for this good news for several weeks now and I can't describe how happy this makes me and it's wonderful to hear that she shows progress," said Michael Krüger, Camilla Pedersen’s coach.

Pedersen had been on respiratory support in critical but stable condition after the crash which occurred when a group of children tried to cross the road in front of Pedersen, who fell hard while trying to avoid them.

"The family tells me that Camilla is still very tired and confused in the very short moments she is awake,” said Janni Moller Thomsen, a close friend of Pedersen. “She sleeps most of the time after this very serious accident but it's of course very positive that she can slowly start her rehabilitation in the hands of specialists at Hammel Neuro Center. The process of rehabilitation will take time and patience but luckily Camilla has shown many times that she is a great fighter.”

Pedersen, who emerged as a top international star with her victory at Ironman Europe in Frankfurt this summer, faces economic pressure as her income has come to a halt during her recovery. Thomsen has started a donation aimed at easing Pedersen’s recovery and friends and colleagues at the local fitness chain Fitnessdk is doing a spinning event on October 26 where all proceeds will go to Pedersen.

Thomsen reports that donations to Pedersen’s recovery fund have so far totaled 4,500 Euros.

“We know her personal economy will be a concern for her when she returns to life, and therefore we are trying to gather donations to help her financially, so her main focus can be on health issues and recovery,” said Thomsen.

The Danish Triathlon Federation release noted that those who wish to donate should contact Janni Møller Thomsen via email at Jannimt@live.dk or by telephone at +4522355225.