Must Read: Cliff-Ryan injured in speedskating training
Former U.S. criterium champion sees her bid for Sochi Olympics damaged in training accident
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Cliff-Ryan injured in speedskating training — The Associated Press
Former U.S. criterium champion Theresa Cliff-Ryan, who is attempting to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in speedskating, suffered a concussion when she was struck by an athlete who had crashed during training on Monday in Salt Lake City.
According to The Associated Press, Cliff-Ryan, a former in-line speedskater and the 2006 U.S. criterium champion, was injured when struck by Kevin Geminder, who fell during training on a straightaway at the Olympic track in Utah. Cliff-Ryan had her back turned to the ice when Geminder hit her, causing her to fall on her head.
Cliff-Ryan’s coach, Matt Kooreman, confirmed that she had suffered a concussion and lost several teeth.
“No long term debilitating brain or neck injuries — which was initially feared,” he wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.
According to the AP, two-time Olympic medalist Shani Davis narrowly avoided the fallen skater.
“I’m lucky that I was paying attention,” said Davis. “I heard it. I looked to where I saw the sound. I saw him sliding toward her. I just got out of the way.”