Connor Fields leaves Tokyo Olympics on stretcher after crash.
Connor Fields, the reigning gold medalist in BMX racing was carried off the course on a stretcher during the third qualifying match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. The frightening crash happened on the first turn in the second heat when Fields slammed into the turn and lay motionless on the track for several minutes.
He qualified for the finals but will not be able to race due to the crash. He was favored to win after winning in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Connor Fields was the favorite to win the 2021 Olympic gold
Fields was the first American to win the BMX gold and is 28-years-old.
Fields’ last Instagram post was prior to the crash where he thanked his fans and the sport.
“Moment of gratitude today for this opportunity to represent my country as well as for all the people who have been a part of this journey over the past 21 years,” he wrote. “Thank you. Racing kicks off tomorrow.”