Winter Olympic skier Nina O’Brien taken away on a stretcher after frightening crash
Competitors in the women’s giant slalom held their breathe after seeing American skier Nina O’Brien suffer a nasty crash at the end of her second run. The giant slalom is one of the most dangerous events at the Winter Olympics and the women’s competition was proving just that.
France’s Tessa Worley had earlier caught her arm in a gate and hit the ground hard, although she was able to walk away on her own accord.
But there were genuine fears among those watching when O’Brien suffered her frightening crash in the second run.
The 24-year-old was one of the frontrunners and was on course for a spot in the medals, but disaster struck as she made full contact with the penultimate gate.
The collision sent O’Brien tumbling over the finish line with then-leader, Lara Gut-Behrami, looking visibly stunned as she watched on.
Medics were quick to rush to the American’s aid as she lay stricken on the floor, appearing to hold her left leg.
There was a long stoppage as O’Brien was attended to be at least four medics before she was carried off in a stretcher.
Five-time Winter Olympics Graham Bell said O’Brien’s crash wouldn’t be a distraction for the runners coming after her.
He said: “It’s really tough when you get a crash like that just puts the race on hold but the ski racers are used to it, they’ve been through this before.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.