Female Romanian luger knocked unconscious after frightening crash on speedy Olympic track

Female Romanian luger knocked out after crash

WHISTLER, British Columbia — A female Romanian luger was knocked unconscious Thursday after slamming into several walls during an Olympic training run.

Violeta Stramaturaru was taken to an onsite medical facility. A team official said she may go to a hospital, but she is not believed to be seriously injured. She must be cleared before she can compete in the games.

Stramaturaru was strapped to a backboard while members of the Romanian team looked on. She was responsive and moving her arms when lifted onto the stretcher.

Her scary crash came moments after her sister, Raluca, had safely navigated the 16-turn track, the world’s fastest sliding surface.

After her wreck, Violeta Stramaturaru slid limply along the ice while her sled continued through curve 16. At the finish-line area, her sister ran to the end of the observation deck high above the track for a closer look as the public address announcer directed medical personnel to the scene.

Shortly after the accident, U.S. luger Megan Sweeney went airborne while exiting the final turn and crashed. She was shaken up but walked away.

The Whistler Sliding Center track is among the world’s most technically challenging courses. Racers are expected to threaten several speed records during the luge, bobsled and skeleton competitions.