Canadian snowboarding star Mark McMorris is in a Vancouver hospital after suffering several injuries in a backcountry snowboarding accident on Saturday.
Canada Snowboard says the Regina native is recovering from a broken jaw, broken left arm, ruptured spleen, stable pelvic fracture, rib fractures and a collapsed left lung.
BREAKING: Olympic medallist Mark McMorris badly injured in backcountry snowboarding accident. Doctors say 2 surgeries went well @cbchhpic.twitter.com/HnDDjsr1Bs
The 23-year-old Olympic bronze medallist underwent two surgeries over the weekend to control bleeding and to repair the jaw and arm fractures.
Canadian team doctor Rodney French says both operations were successful.
“While both the mandible and humerus fractures were complicated injuries, the surgeries went very well and both fractures are now stabilized to heal in excellent position. It is too early to speculate on a timeline for Mark’s recovery.” said Dr. French.
Patrick Jarvis, Canada Snowboard’s executive director, says McMorris will be “prepared for the rehabilitation required to make a comeback to competition leading into (the 2018 Olympics).”
“We fully support Mark and he is already under the incredible care of the staff of the Vancouver General Hospital.” said Mr. Jarvis. “Mark has shown incredible resilience and commitment to recovering from injury and we know that PyeongChang 2018 will be a strong motivation for his comeback.
A conference call with McMorris planned for Tuesday has been cancelled.
