A
soldier who fell unconscious while vying for a spot in the elite Special
Air Service remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Lieutenant Alexander
Teira Cowan was in an induced coma in Auckland City Hospital for nine
days after suffering "heat-related injuries" while taking part in an 8km
run with other SAS candidates on January 25.
It was feared he may
die but on February 3 Lt Cowan's condition suddenly improved to a point
where he was able to speak to family members.
Since then he has remained in a stable condition.
"The last update we had was quite positive," Defence Force spokesman Major John Gordon told NZ Newswire.
"We're comfortable that he is continuing to improve and we look forward to his full recovery."
Lt Cowan is now in Middlemore Hospital after being transferred from Auckland City Hospital last week.
Lt
Cowan and other SAS candidates were wearing military uniform and
carrying about 10kg of equipment as they ran through the Hunua Ranges,
southeast of Auckland.
He collapsed after 80 minutes, towards the end of the exercise.
The incident is being investigated.
NZN