Italian snowboard racer Visintin injured in crash

By foxsports
Published

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) Italian snowboardcross rider Omar Visintin bruised his buttocks following a crash during the Olympic men's semifinals on Tuesday.

Visintin lost control during an elevation drop and fell face first into the snow at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park. The 24-year-old Italian lay on the snow for several minutes but communicated with medics as he was carried off.

The crash came moments after two other riders washed out in the six-man race on a rainy, cold day that made for dicey conditions.

Italian officials said Visintin bruised his rear. He appeared to be in fine spirits as he was wheeled into the medical center. Visintin flashed the ''hang loose'' sign with his right leg in a brace as a precaution.