Team GB’s Kye Whyte crashed out of the semi-finals of the men’s BMX racing at the Paris Olympics on Friday night and was taken to hospital for checks.
The Londoner had arrived in France nursing a back injury and had struggled in the heats on Thursday and again in his first semi-final on Friday.
But during his second semi-final, pushing for qualification for the finals, he crashed heavily on the opening set of ramps and took a nasty tumble.
After being assessed on the track by the on-site medical team, which led to a slight delay in the subsequent racing, he was taken off the course on a stretcher.
Whyte was subsequently treated at the venue by British Cycling’s team doctor, Nigel Jones, who made the decision that he needed to be taken to hospital for further tests.
British Cycling said in a statement: “Following his crash in tonight’s BMX racing semi-final, Kye Whyte was assessed immediately by the on-site medical team.
“This was followed up by further immediate review by Great Britain Cycling Team doctor Nigel Jones.
"Initial reports are positive but he is being taken to hospital for further assessment.
“We wish Kye a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him on his bike very soon.”
Joris Daudet, Sylvain Andre and Romain Mahieu made it a memorable French sweep of the medals in the men’s final, sparking wild celebrations.
But there was big disappointment in the women’s final for Team GB’s defending Olympic champion Beth Shriever, who finished last following an uncharacteristically slow start despite a dominant performance in the initial heats and semi-final races.
Gold instead went to Australia’s Saya Sakakibara, with silver for Manon Veenstra of the Netherlands and bronze for Swiss rider Zoe Claessens.
"I was just a little bit late out at the start and I paid the price for it," Shriever said afterwards. "I got tangled up with Laura (Smulders), tried to make my way back and the race was done.
"I had the perfect run-in pretty much. I won everything going in and I think maybe I might have got a little bit excited, my thoughts got away from me but I can't complain. I've had the best time, the absolute best time and that's what it's all about...
"The pressure is high, everyone's feeling it, literally one little mistake cost me so, it is what it is."
