BMX legend Dave Mirra, the current record holder for most X Games medals (24 as of X Games 15) has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and is currently hospitalized in the Greenville, NC area. Sources close to Mirra said that he has shown steady improvement since starting antibiotic therapy. Reportedly, his fever is coming down and his vitals are good, but doctors still need to run tests to determine the type of bacteria he was infected with.

Mirra entered the hospital late last week, but could return home as early as tomorrow. "Dave is doing great. It's a miracle he's alive. We are possibly going home tomorrow but he will have to be on antibiotic IV for two weeks. We will have a nurse helping us at home," said Mirra's wife Lauren earlier today.

News of Mirra's condition began to spread via Twitter and Facebook on Friday, with the phrase "Positive energy goes out to Dave Mirra" being re-tweeted throughout the BMX world by friends, fellow pros, industry insiders and fans. On Sunday, the news was confirmed via Mirra's official Dave Mirra Facebook page, stating "[Dave] is on antibiotics and we are praying for a full recovery."

In 1995, Mirra was injured riding while riding vert, and underwent a splenectomy. As a result, Mirra has an increased susceptibility to infection by bacteria.

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early in the course of the disease.

Dave Mirra, 35, is an undisputed BMX legend and full-time BMX and Rally Car professional. A longtime resident of the Greenville, NC area, Mirra rose to fame in the late '80s as an expert vert and flatland rider, turning pro for GT Bicycles in 1991. In 1995, Mirra won a silver medal for vert in the inaugural X Games, and has medaled in every X Games since, holding the record for most medals won by an athlete (currently at 24.) In 2006, Mirra founded MirraCo Bicycles. Currently, Mirra continues to ride at a professional level (earning a bronze medal in Big Air at XG15 and second overall in year end standings for Dew Tour park '09) and also races rally cars on a professional level. His sponsors include Bell Helmets, MirraCo Bike Company, Pahr, DC Shoes, Monster Energy, Maxxis Tires, Oxy and Subaru.

From all of us at ESPN Action Sports, positive energy goes out to Dave Mirra.

We will be updating this story as we receive more information.