Olympic Medalist, 50, Dies After Serious Injuries From Race

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Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi died Sunday from injuries sustained in a crash during a keirin race in Japan.

The 50-year-old Japanese cyclist suffered fractures to his cervical vertebrae and skull after colliding with a safety barrier during Saturday’s Matsusaka Keirin race.

Since Fushimi’s professional debut in 1995, he has won 619 races, including the Keirin Grand Prix in 2001 and 2007.

He also won a silver medal in the team sprint with teammates Tomohiro Nagatsuka and Masaki Inoue at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

In Japan, https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tokyo-olympics-what-is-the-keirin/" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tokyo-olympics-what-is-the-keirin/">keirin—a type of sprint cycling—is a popular betting sport.

The Japan Keirin Association (JKA) confirmed his death at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday. “It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in an accident during a race,” JKA chairman Hiroshi Kido said. “We will reconfirm our safety measures and thoroughly ensure fair and safe races.”

https://www.the-independent.com/sport/cycling/toshiaki-fushimi-death-athens-olympics-b3018080.html">Read it at The Independent

https://www.thedailybeast.com/olympic-medalist-toshiaki-fushimi-50-dies-after-serious-injuries-from-race/">Read more at The Daily Beast.