Former Olympic silver medallist Toshiaki Fushimi has died after crashing in a keirin race in his home country of Japan. The 50-year-old was racing in the Matsusaka Keirin, where he struck a barrier at the side of the track, reportedly in an attempt to avoid a pile-up that was unfolding in front of him.
He sustained spinal and skull fractures in the crash, according to a report by The Independent, and died the following morning.
A celebrated figure in Japanese keirin racing, Fushimi was part of the team sprint trio who won a silver medal for Japan in the Athens Olympics 2004. He racked up 619 career wins, including three Keirin Grand Prix titles – Japan’s blue riband keirin event.
His former track rival Josiah Ng paid tribute to Fushimi on social media, writing: “R.I.P. Fushimi San. 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.
“Devastated to hear he lost his life doing what he loved,” he added. “My thoughts are with his family and the entire Keirin community in Japan. Rest in peace, champion.”
Hiroshi Kido, chairman of the Japanese Keirin Autorace Foundation, said that safety measure would be reexamined: “It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in an accident during a race. We will reconfirm our safety measures and thoroughly ensure fair and safe races.”
Keirin became an Olympic event in 2000, but originated as a betting sport in Japan in the 1940s. The bikes are steel with smaller gears and, like the kit used, they are standardised, with riders racing in different colours. In Japan it takes place on large, outdoor velodromes made of concrete, meaning the event is part sprint, part endurance.
Because of the betting aspect of the sport in Japan, when riders undertake a race they are not allowed to communicate with the outside world, explains Brit Joe Truman, who raced the country’s keirin series twice.
“Because obviously betting is a massive part, when we go to a race, we’ve got essentially four days where we’re in lockdown and we’re not allowed any devices that transmit information to the outside world,” he said.
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