Track sprinter Kwesi Browne is recovering well after a dramatic crash at the Paris Olympics velodrome. The 30-year-old cyclist from Trinidad and Tobago was involved in a high-speed collision during a keirin repechage race on Saturday night, leading to concerns as he appeared to lose consciousness after hitting the track boards.
The incident occurred when Browne collided with another rider at speed. The impact propelled him off his Kwasi Bike and into the wooden perimeter of the velodrome. He then slid down the steep banking, appearing to be unconscious, before coming to a stop on the track apron. Medical personnel were immediately on the scene to provide assistance.
The race at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome was temporarily halted as medical staff carefully placed Browne onto a stretcher and removed him from the track center. As he was being wheeled away, Browne raised his hands and removed his gloves, a gesture that was met with applause and relief from the spectators.
Later that evening, Rowena Williams, Browne’s team manager, provided an encouraging update on his condition, stating that he had not sustained any serious injuries.
Team manager of cycling Rowena Williams, provides an update on Kwesi Browne following the crash in the Men’s Keirin event repercharge , Kwesi is doing well, and as a nation, let’s continue to support and send positive energy to all our athletes. 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹#teamtto #paris2024… pic.twitter.com/76N6XaTv5oAugust 10, 2024
“He’s fine,” Williams reassured. “The medical team here at the velodrome did an excellent job in attending to him. They conducted quick X-rays to ensure there were no fractures or significant head trauma. Kwesi is doing well. He’s walking and he’s talking, and we extend our gratitude to everyone for their support. We also continue to cheer on Nicholas [Paul] as he advances to the finals.”
Shortly after the crash, Browne was seen leaving the track center wearing a neck brace. Visible grazes marked the right side of his body, extending down his leg, hip, and elbow, evidence of the high-speed impact.
Despite the crash, which ended his participation in the men’s keirin competition, Browne’s condition is stable, allowing the event to proceed. The quarterfinals were scheduled for Sunday at 10:29 am UK time, with the final set to take place at 12:32 pm UK time.
Browne’s incident was among several crashes that occurred at the velodrome on Saturday. Earlier in the men’s Madison race, multiple collisions took place, including a significant one involving Team GB’s Ollie Wood, who was hit from behind by another competitor.
“He hit me with considerable force,” Wood recounted to the media afterwards. The 28-year-old received trackside medical evaluation and was cleared to complete the race. “I felt like a crash test dummy out there,” he added, describing the unexpected nature of the impact during a less active phase of the race. “When you’re actively racing and a crash happens ahead, you can anticipate and react instinctively. However, I was completely relaxed and untensed on my bike when it happened. I’m okay, I’ll recover.”
