Olympic Luger From Suffield Crashes In Medal Round

PYEONCHANG, SOUTH KOREA — Olympic luger Emily Sweeney of Suffield suffered a horrific crash during the medal round of competition Tuesday night, but was able to walk off the track under her own power.

Sweeney, 24, was in 15th place following three initial runs Monday and Tuesday; the top 20 advanced to the medal round, with Sweeney being the sixth competitor to take to the track.

She began to experience trouble in curve 9, placing her feet onto the ice to attempt to regain control, but began to spin and eventually crashed feet first into a 12-foot ice wall. She then careened back across the track and slammed heavily back first into the opposite wall.

Medical staff reached Sweeney immediately and tended to her for nearly seven minutes before she rose and slowly walked off without assistance, to a rousing ovation from the crowd.

In an emotional one-on-one interview with Kevin Nathan of NBC Connecticut, Sweeney said, "It's pretty crushing. I know I have a lot of support, and I'm sorry that's how it ended. I'm very uncomfortable right now and pretty stiff, so I'm going to get some X-rays and go from there."

Photo courtesy of Team USA