This story is just unbelievable. Austrian snowboarder Markus Schairer took a nasty fall [1] during a quarterfinal race in snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. As he hit the final jump, he lost control, flew through the air — it's hard to watch — and landed horrifically on his upper back and neck right. His goggles popped off his helmet from the astounding impact, and he laid there for a few minutes while everyone raced past to finish the race.
Böser Sturz von Markus #Schairer [2] im #Snowboard [3] Boardercross. Halswirbelbruch, aber Ärzte befürchten keine Folgeschäden #PyeongChang2018 [4] pic.twitter.com/iaptkStpYW [5]
— Lukas Zahrer (@ZaraLuk) February 15, 2018 [6]
Fracturing his fifth vertebra didn't stop him. Schairer's' determination got him to strap back into his board and he continued to cross the finish line — he even had enough energy to wave to the crowd! He says this was one of the worst crashes in his entire life.
my dream did not come true. i don not bring home gold, silver or bronce. instead i'm wearing my own personal medall 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 live. 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_austria and all the wishes from all around the world!! big applause for my opponents but friends on the podium @pierrevaultier @jarrydhughes @reginoherma3 #badass #olympics #pyongchang2018 #crash #pain #comminghome #snowboardcross #sbx [7]
The 30-year-old was transported back to Austria for medical care. Thankfully experts don't think there will be any long-term damage or neurological issues. Markus adds, ". . . so i will be able to walk soon. when such things happen, you really start knowing whats important!"
The three-time Olympian is no stranger to injury [10]. He also suffered five broken ribs crashing in the quarterfinals of the Winter X Games in Aspen. While training in 2013, Markus fractured a joint and tore four ligaments in his left shoulder. This guy is unstoppable!