Olympic medalist dies after crashing into barrier during cycle race

Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi died after a fall during a cycling race in Japan.

The cyclist was competing in the Matsusaka Keirin tournament in Japan on Saturday when other riders collided in front of him.

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In a video circulating on social media, you see that Toshiaki apparently had to swerve to the side to avoid being caught in the collision. According to British UndergroundToshiaki was the rider in black.

While avoiding the massive pile-up, Toshiaki crashed into the guardrail…fracturing his cervical vertebrae and skull. He was would have taken to hospital, but died the next day.

Hiroshi Kidōpresident of the Japanese Keirin Association, said The Independent in a statement… “It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in a racing accident. We will reconfirm our safety measures and carefully ensure fair and safe racing.”

Toshiaki won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics…competing for Japan in the men’s team sprint.

He was 50 years old.

RIP