Swiss driver Daniel Schmid has withdrawn from the two-man and four-man bobsled competitions “for safety reasons” after two practice crashes.
A statement said Schmid will not compete in either event and that the decision for him to drop out was made jointly between the Swiss team and bobsled officials. It’s still not known if Schmid had a role in deciding not to race.
Schmid, who was not a medal favorite, overturned his sled during Friday’s first training session. His brakeman, Juerg Egger, was injured and taken from the track in an ambulance, then transported by helicopter to Vancouver for observation. Swiss team doctor Christian Schlegel said the 28-year-old was not seriously injured.
“He has no severe injuries,” Schlegel said. “He has a cervical spine injury. He can walk.”
At least 11 two-man bobsleds have spilled sideways in the first two days of training.
