OLYMPICS: MAY 18 BMX Racing World Championships U.S. Olympic Team Qualifier - Source: Getty — Kye Whyte crashed into the dirt at Paris Olympics 2024 (IMAGE: GETTY)

What happened to Kye Whyte at Paris Olympics 2024? All about the British BMX racer's accident

Modified Aug 02, 2024 21:26 GMT

Olympic medalist Kye Whyte suffered a severe accident during the BMX Semifinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was tended to by medics before being taken off the track on a stretcher.

Whyte was riding in lane five in the second heat of the competition when he appeared to have clipped the back wheel of Frenchman Sylvain Andre after the first jump. Following the apparent mishap, the 24-year-old fell off his bike and veered off the course.

He then crashed into the dirt track and was immediately tended to by medics before being taken off the course on a stretcher. While it was initially reported that the 24-year-old would need to be taken to a hospital, British Cycling later shared that Whyte's condition was positive.

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British Cycling released a statement on Kye Whyte’s condition (via NY Times):

“Following his crash in tonight’s BMX racing semi-final, Kye Whyte was assessed immediately by the on-site medical team.

“This was followed up by further immediate review by Great Britain Cycling Team Dr Nigel Jones who delivered a positive report, with no significant injuries.

“We wish Kye a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him on his bike very soon.”

Whyte had struggled through the quarterfinals and even carried a back injury into the semifinals before the crash. The Brit had earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in BMX Racing.

“It's one of the most dangerous sports and that's what I love”- Kye Whyte on BMX Racing

Kye Whyte has been on the bike since age three (IMAGE: GETTY)

Injuries are common in sports and more so in BMX Racing, but the adrenaline that comes with the danger excited many racers. In an interview with Metro UK last week, Kye Whyte said it was the thrill of the sport that made him fall in love with it.

"BMX racing is such a unique sport. I absolutely love the speeds we can go up too and the fact it is super-fast which is really exhilarating. It is one of the most dangerous sports and that’s what I love; the danger element pushes me on to go further. And when I win a race it is all worth it," he said.

Whyte has suffered numerous injuries throughout his career. Having broken his collar bones, jaw, wrists, and more, the 24-year-old is expected to make a full recovery after the crash. Naturally, Whyte is out of the competition at the Paris Olympics.