Not good. Screenshot: The Inertia/NBC
Austrian snowboarder Markus Schairer broke his neck in a horrifying crash during the quarterfinal of the men’s snowboard cross on Thursday in Pyeongchang. Judging from the video of the crash, it remains unclear what exactly sent him flailing skyward horizontally – ultimately bouncing off the landing on his back losing his goggles.
In a statement, the Austrian Olympic Committee has confirmed that Schairer has no permanent damage. “Snowboard crosser Markus Schairer suffered a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra during his fall in the quarterfinals in Pyeongchang,” explained the committee. “The good news: Neurological impairments are not present, consequential damage can currently be ruled out.”
“The 30-year-old had come to the penultimate jump hard to crash, but could then independently drive to the finish. The return transport to Austria is prepared (with medical assistance), should take place as soon as possible.”
Böser Sturz von Markus #Schairer im #Snowboard Boardercross. Halswirbelbruch, aber Ärzte befürchten keine Folgeschäden #PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/iaptkStpYW
— Lukas Zahrer (@ZaraLuk) February 15, 2018
Shairer was able to cross the finish line under his own volition and will return to Austria promptly to receive any additional necessary medical attention.
