Switzerland’s Beat Hefti withdraws from 2-man bob field after being hurt in crash in practice

Concussion knocks Swiss driver out of 2-man bob

WHISTLER, British Columbia — Swiss driver Beat Hefti has withdrawn from the two-man bobsled competition because of a concussion from a crash during practice.

Hefti is the World Cup champion this season and the favorite to win a gold medal. He won a bronze medal in the two-man four years ago in Turin.

Hefti also cut his leg when his sled flipped Wednesday night. Hefti’s crash was one of eight during the first training sessions, adding to concerns about safety at the track.

It’s still unclear if Hefti will participate in the four-man competition. He planned to push driver Ivo Rueegg’s sled.

Following a rash of wrecks — not uncommon in bobsled practices — drivers had no problems during the fourth training run Thursday.