Mark McMorris Cleared for Olympic Slopestyle After Crash

Mark McMorris, a top Canadian snowboarder, had a bad fall during practice and got hurt. He had to miss the big air event. But now, doctors say he is well enough to compete in the slopestyle event at the Olympics. He is feeling much better.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Mark McMorris, a celebrated Canadian snowboarder, has been deemed fit to compete in the men's slopestyle event at the Milano Cortina Olympics. This decision follows a significant crash during big air training that led to a withdrawal from that specific competition. The athlete sustained a concussion, abdominal strain, and bruised pelvis from the incident.

Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris cleared for slopestyle after crash - 1

"He is feeling good and appreciates the support and well wishes from fans." - Team Canada statement

The incident, which occurred shortly before the Games began, saw McMorris taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Despite the severity of the injuries, including a reported loss of consciousness, subsequent medical evaluations and his own report of feeling "like myself again" have paved the way for his participation in the slopestyle.

Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris cleared for slopestyle after crash - 2

Timeline of Events

  • Prior to the Games: Mark McMorris sustained a concussion, abdominal strain, and bruised pelvis during a big air training session. This fall reportedly involved a loss of consciousness.

  • Olympics Opening: McMorris was withdrawn from the men's big air qualifying competition due to the injuries.

  • Medical Evaluation: He was taken to the hospital for assessment but was later released and returned to the Olympic Village.

  • Ongoing Assessment: Further testing was conducted to determine his readiness for competition.

  • Slopestyle Clearance: McMorris has since been cleared to participate in the men's slopestyle event.

Injuries and Recovery

The crash resulted in a series of injuries that initially jeopardized McMorris' Olympic participation.

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Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris cleared for slopestyle after crash - 3

  • Concussion: A primary concern following the impact to his head.

  • Abdominal Strain: Indicative of the force sustained during the fall.

  • Bruised Pelvis: Another consequence of the significant impact.

Despite these physical setbacks, McMorris has expressed confidence in his recovery. Reports indicate he is "coming around and starting to feel like myself again," a sentiment echoed by Team Canada's updates.

Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris cleared for slopestyle after crash - 4

Event Withdrawals and Participation

The crash directly impacted McMorris' presence in the big air event.

  • Big Air: McMorris was scratched from the big air qualification rounds. Val Guseli of Australia took his place on the start list.

  • Slopestyle: Despite the earlier withdrawal, McMorris has been cleared and is set to compete in the slopestyle event. This discipline has been a stronghold for the athlete, having won three consecutive Olympic bronze medals.

Supporting Evidence

  • Medical Updates: Team Canada confirmed McMorris' release from the hospital and return to the Olympic Village, followed by assessments for his availability.

  • Athlete Statements: McMorris himself has publicly stated his optimism about competing, describing his recovery progress.

  • Competition Status: Official announcements and reporting confirm his withdrawal from big air and subsequent clearance for slopestyle.

Athlete's History of Resilience

McMorris has a well-documented history of overcoming significant injuries throughout his career. This resilience is a notable aspect of his athletic profile, particularly given his past successes, including 12 X Games titles. His ability to return to top-level competition after serious falls underscores his determination.

Expert and Team Perspectives

  • Team Canada: Maintained a cautious yet supportive stance, emphasizing routine medical checks and a phased return to competition. The team provided updates on his condition and eventual clearance.

  • Mark McMorris: Expressed personal confidence in his recovery and readiness for the slopestyle event. He also acknowledged the public's support.

  • Reporting Agencies (CBC, ESPN, Olympics.com, TSN): Documented the progression of events, from the crash to the medical evaluations and the final decision regarding his participation.

Conclusion

Mark McMorris' journey from a serious training crash to clearance for the Olympic slopestyle event highlights a rapid recovery and a strong will to compete. The medical assessments and the athlete's own positive reports indicate that he is physically prepared to engage in the demanding slopestyle competition. His withdrawal from the big air event was a direct consequence of the injuries sustained, but his subsequent clearance for slopestyle demonstrates the effectiveness of the medical team's management and his own recovery capabilities. The focus now shifts to his performance in the slopestyle, an event where he has a proven track record of success.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was Mark McMorris hurt in training?
Yes, he had a bad crash and got a concussion, a hurt stomach, and a bruised hip.
Q: Did he miss any events?
He had to miss the big air competition because of his injuries.
Q: Can he still compete in the slopestyle?
Yes, doctors checked him and said he is okay to compete in the slopestyle event.
Q: How is he feeling now?
He is feeling much better and says he feels like himself again.