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Toshiaki Fushimi, 50, died while attempting to avoid a collision at a velodrome in Japan on Saturday, July 18
NEED TO KNOW
- Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi has died at the age of 50 after crashing during a keirin race in Japan on Saturday, July 18
- The cyclist crashed into a barrier after he attempted to avoid a collision that had taken place ahead of him
- “It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in an accident during a race,” the chairman of the Japan Keirin Association, said
Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi has died after crashing during a cycling race in Japan.
On Saturday, July 18, Fushimi, 50, was taking part in the Matsusaka Keirin tournament when he crashed into a barrier after attempting to avoid a collision ahead of him, according to U.K. newspaper Metro.
In a video shared on X, the silver medalist can be seen appearing to veer toward the safety barrier to avoid other cyclists that had crashed in front of him.
Fushimi sustained fractures to his cervical vertebrae (neck) and skull, Metro and The Independent reported.
He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, July 19, at 10:15 a.m. local time, according to the outlets.
“It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in an accident during a race,” the chairman of the Japan Keirin Association (JKA), Hiroshi Kido, told The Independent in a statement. “We will reconfirm our safety measures and thoroughly ensure fair and safe races.”
Alongside Tomohiro Nagatsuka and Masaki Inoue, Fushimi won Olympic silver in the team sprint at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, The Independent reported.
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Making his professional debut in cycling in 1995, Fushimi went on to win 619 races, five G1 titles and the Keirin Grand Prix twice in 2001 and 2007, per Metro and The Independent.
Keirin cycling involves riders tailing behind a pace bike which gradually increases its speed over three circuits of a velodrome. When there’s around 0.4 miles left, the pacer leaves the track, allowing cyclists to sprint to the finish line.
Following Fushimi’s death, Malaysian retired professional cyclist Josiah Ng Onn Lam paid tribute on Instagram.
“R.I.P. Fushimi San 🙏,” he wrote. “Toshiaki Fushimi wasn’t just a competitor. He was one of the best keirin riders Japan has ever produced. Grand Prix winner. Olympic Silver Medalist. A true professional on the track.”
“We raced against each other for years. That kind of rivalry builds a respect that doesn’t fade,” he continued. “Devastated to hear he lost his life doing what he loved. My thoughts are with his family and the entire keirin community in Japan.”
Lam concluded the post with, “Rest in peace, champion. 🚴♂️.”
PEOPLE reached out to the JKA Foundation for comment.
Read the original article on People
