Olympic Silver Medalist Dies Following Crash in Keirin Race

Former Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi has tragically died following an accident in a keirin race Saturday. The Japanese track rider won a silver medal in the team sprint in Athens 2004, and recently returned to competition after a four year break.

The 50 year old crashed during the Matsusaka Keirin in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, with The Independent reporting that he hit a safety barrier at the side of the track while trying to avoid a pileup of riders in front of him.

He suffered fractures to his cervical vertebrae and skull and died at 10.15 Sunday morning as a result.

Fushimi made his pro debut in the keirin in 1995, taking 619 races, including five G1 titles and the Keirin Grand Prix twice, in 2001 and 2007.

He returned to racing this May.

Japan Keirin Association chairman Hiroshi Kido pledged steps would be taken to try to avoid future accidents.

“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 is known for its high speed action due to the use of a motorized derny as a pacemaker.

Fushimi was feted by former pro Malaysian rider Josiah Ng Onn Lam.

“Toshiaki Fushimi wasn’t just a competitor. He was one of the best Keirin riders Japan has ever produced,” he wrote on social media. “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. My thoughts are with his family and the entire Keirin community in Japan. Rest in peace, champion.”