- Kye Whyte, a star of Team GB, has unfortunately exited the BMX Racing semi-final run two
- The 24-year-old silver medalist from Tokyo was taken off the course on a stretcher by medical staff
- He lost control of his bike after the initial jump in Paris and veered off the track
Kye Whyte has unfortunately crashed out during the BMX Racing semi-final, requiring medical attention on the track.
In 2021, Whyte made history as Team GB’s first medalist in BMX racing and aimed to add to his accolades at this year’s event.
However, he had been dealing with a back injury that was exacerbated after the quarter-final runs, as reported by The BBC.
The 24-year-old lost control of his bike following the first jump, veering off course and eventually crashing.
Medics quickly attended to Whyte while he was on the ground, fitting him with an oxygen mask.
Kye Whyte suffers a crash in BMX Racing semi-final run two.
The 24-year-old lost control of his bike after the first jump in Paris.
He was soon lifted onto a stretcher and taken off the course, but he seemed alert and interacted with the attending staff.
Due to his unfortunate accident, Whyte did not participate in the third heat and will not make it to the final round of the competition.
Following the crash, Team GB issued a statement regarding Whyte’s condition, confirming he would undergo further evaluation at the hospital.
The statement read: ‘After the incident during tonight’s BMX racing semi-final, Kye Whyte was promptly evaluated by the on-site medical personnel.
This was subsequently followed by an additional review by the Great Britain Cycling Team doctor, Nigel Jones.
Initial reports are encouraging, but he is being transported to the hospital for further examination.
We wish Kye a swift recovery and hope to see him back on his bike soon.’
Whyte made history at the Olympics.
In a prior interview with Mail Sport, Whyte discussed the numerous fractures he has sustained from BMX racing.
‘I’ve broken two shoulders, two collarbones, a few fingers, my hand twice, my wrist twice, my elbow, and my toes,’ shared the Olympic silver medallist. ‘Oh, and I also broke my jaw.’
The jaw injury was particularly severe, stemming from a gruesome accident during his first race with the British talent squad at just 13.
He reflected, ‘I likely could have died,’ recounting the incident while sitting in a kit room near the BMX track in Manchester.
‘Someone collided in front of me, and I tried to dodge them while mid-air, but I ended up crashing and knocked myself unconscious. I woke up in Liverpool with both my parents at my side, which indicated it was serious.
‘I was in an induced coma for about five days due to a brain bleed. Half of my left face was affected, and I missed an entire year of school. It took about a year and a half before I was ready to ride again.’
Whyte reveals a near-fatal accident.
He explained his serious injury.
Whyte made history at the Olympics.
Given his experiences, it’s worth asking: why choose such a risky sport? ‘I ponder that every day,’ chuckles the 24-year-old. ‘I’m not reckless; I just have a passion for riding my bike fast.’
Whyte’s journey began at the age of three, riding alongside his older brothers Daniel and Tre at Brockwell Park in Brixton, South London. The sport became his refuge.
He reflects on his childhood, saying, ‘It was a typical upbringing… aside from being surrounded by gangs. But BMX riding kept me out of trouble. I was known as the BMX kid, and everyone wanted me to show off wheelies. Many of my friends made it through and accomplished great things.’
More updates to follow…
