Olympian carted off after absolutely terrifying crash
The high-flying, gravity-defying stunts the snowboarders perform in the men’s halfpipe at the Olympics evoke amazement and awe.
But the halfpipe is also considered to be one of the most dangerous events in the Olympics, as was shown Wednesday morning in Pyeongchang.
Sixteen-year old Yuto Totsuka from Japan suffered a brutal crash during his second run in the halfpipe.
Totsuka got huge air on his first jump, soaring some 20 feet in the air, but when he landed, his snowboard hit the lip of the halfpipe.
The snowboard partially shattered, and Totsuka went flying after crashing off the lip. He went head over heels, airborne from the top of the halfpipe down to near the bottom.
The depth of the halfpipe is 22 feet, so he tumbled about 20 feet, landing on his back and hip.
The oohs and aahs of the crowd quickly went silent with concern for the young snowboarder.
Terrible crash for Japanese rider, Yuto Totsuka. Hoping the best for him. That snow is not soft whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/dWa4oJae6B
— Dylan Nadwodny (@dnadders) February 14, 2018
Medical personnel attended to him immediately and carted him off on a stretcher.
Totsuka was taken to a local hospital.
He reportedly suffered “no big injury” but did have pain in his hip.
Japan’s press officer says Yuto Totsuka has “no big injury”but pain in his hip and was transported to the hospital.
— Rachel Axon (@RachelAxon) February 14, 2018
American Shaun White went on to win his third gold medal in the halfpipe with a spectacular performance on his third and final run.
White also won Olympic gold in 2006 in Torino and 2010 in Vancouver.
Totsuka’s countryman, Ayumu Hirano, took home the silver medal, while Australia’s Scotty James won the bronze.
As for Totsuka, at just 16, it’s a good bet he’ll be back to try and win a medal in four years.
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