WHISTLER, British Columbia (AP) – Pre-race favorite Petra Majdic of Slovenia has qualified for the semifinals of the women’s cross-country sprint despite injuring her ribs in a training crash.
Majdic was taken to a hospital for X-rays after the qualification round Wednesday but was cleared to compete in the quarterfinals after doctors determined no bones were broken.
Majdic fell in a sharp curve during training and tumbled down a slope on her back. In the qualification round, she collapsed in pain after crossing the finish line. She was helped out of the finish area, clutching her right side.
She looked much better in the quarterfinals, winning her heat ahead of Katerina Smutna of Austria.