Russian Skier Suffers Broken Back; No Surprises for IOC Doping Chief

Russian Skier Suffers Broken Back

A Russian freestyle skier has suffered a broken back in a training crash in the mountains above Sochi, a source told R-Sport on Saturday.

Skicross racer Maria Komissarova sustained the injury while training at the PSX Olympic skicross venue at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park, the Russian Freestyle Federation said earlier.

A source close to the situation told R-Sport the injury was a fracture of the spine with a dislocation.

"The character of the injury doesn't allow for her transportation to Moscow," the source said. "Now doctors will decide what to do further but an urgent operation will be carried out at Krasnaya Polyana hospital," the source added.

Doping Chief Not Surprised by Clean Games

IOC Medical Commission chairman Arne Ljungqvist says the lack of positive drug tests at the Games is "not a surprise to me."

Ljungqvist made the comments at the daily briefing with the IOC and Sochi 2014 organizing committee on Saturday.

"It is better to say people don’t cheat," he added.

"It is expected that people don't cheat and those who do are not here."

As of Friday night, 1,799 doping tests have been conducted.

The Saturday briefing will also likely be Ljungvist’s last, he said. He has served as Medical Commission chairman since 2003 and will be retiring.

IOC president Thomas Bach is expected to name a new chair of the Medical Commission after the Games.

U.S. Speedskating Uniform Switch

Shani Davis and other speedskaters from the United States will switch their uniforms today.

Concerns were raised that their new suits, featuring a large mesh panel in the back, caused excessive drag.

On Saturday, the IOC approved the uniform switch.

Mike Plant, president of US Speedskating, said in a statement that the team would use suits previously worn during the World Cup competition. The "Mach 39" suit developed by Under Armor made its debut in Sochi.

"We are constantly evaluating all aspects of race preparation and execution to help our athletes improve their output and maximize their physical and psychological advantages," Plant said. "Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better, and they are working tirelessly with Team USA to ensure each athlete steps on the ice with 100% confidence so they are positioned to capture a spot on the podium."

There might be some validity to the concerns about the suit. U.S. speedskaters have won a grand total of zero medals in Sochi after winning four in Vancouver.

Wo ist Thomas?

IOC president Thomas Bach will be in the stands for three events today.

His first stop was the women’s super-g. The former German Olympic Committee president was likely happy with the silver medal from German Maria Riesch.

This afternoon, he will watch ice hockey and speedskating before spending the night in the Olympic Village.

Sochi by the Numbers

151 million Olympic viewers on NBC platforms

118,124 Tickets sold on Friday

116,000 visitors to Olympic Park

11,645 volunteers in shifts

618 athletes in competition on Friday

23 events

6 medal events

4 IOC lab directors working in Sochi

Written by Ed Hula III

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