LOS ANGELES (AFP) - One of three Americans hailed a hero for helping thwart a terror attack on a train in France was released from hospital on Thursday (Oct 15), a week after he was stabbed several times during a fight.

Spencer Stone, 23, was stabbed three times in the upper torso on Oct 8 as he was leaving a bar in Sacramento. He underwent two hours of surgery.

Stone, who along with two of his friends helped foil an attack in August on a Paris-bound train, thanked his family for their support.

"And thanks to everyone who has sent encouragement during this challenging time. I'm focused now on healing and recovering and look forward to the next part of my journey," he said in a statement.

Stone's mother, Joyce Eskel, said they had received messages from all over the world.