This is the terrifying moment Markus Schairer of Austria suffered a terrible fall during the men’s snowboard cross quarterfinals at the ongoing Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea.
According to the Washington Post, the Snowboard crosser broke the fifth cervical vertebra in his neck during a frightening fall, but still managed to finish the race on Thursday.
In the video below, the 30-year-old landed with full force on his back, with his head snapping back and hitting the ground.
After Schairer was examined at a hospital, the Austrian Olympic Committee announced that he had suffered a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra but was in a stable condition.
“Snowboard crosser Markus Schairer suffered a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra during his fall in the quarterfinals in Bokwang. The good news: Neurological impairments are not present, consequential damage can currently be ruled out. In addition, the Vorarlberger pulled an elbow injury.“
Markus Schairer is reported to have taken back to his home country for further evaluation and treatment.
Sharing a photo himself in a neck brace, Markus wrote:
‘My dream did not come true. I don not bring home gold, silver or bronze. instead, I’m wearing my own personal medal now. honestly, I had more than one guardian-angle.
I broke my neck (5th cervial spine) at one of the worst crashes in my entire life. luckily there are no neurological deficits, so I will be able to walk soon. when such things happen, you really start knowing whats important! thanks for the massive support from my family, friends, the @olympic_team_austriaand all the wishes from all around the world!!big applause for my opponents but friends on the ‘
Watch the shocking video below..
