Whistler halfpipe skier Simon d'Artois is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a concussion and blacking out for about 10 seconds Saturday when he smacked his head during a fall at the U.S. Grand Prix reports the Associated Press.
Kelley Korbin, manager of media relations for the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, told AP that a CT scan was normal but d'Artois continues to experience concussion symptoms. He is to remain in the hospital, likely overnight. His father, Michael d'Artois is with him.
AP reports that d'Artois fell near the top of the 22-foot superpipe and slid to the bottom unconscious.
Ski patrol immediately was on the scene and attended to him for about 20 minutes before taking him off in a sled. He was wearing a neck brace but flashed a "rock on" sign with his right hand as he left the venue said AP.
Five of the 12 men in the finals fell Saturday. American David Wise won the event.
Sarah Burke crashed on the same halfpipe last year while training and died from the injuries.
Korbin said Burke's death likely was a big reason for the extra precaution.
"I'm sure that played a factor in taking it very seriously," Korbin said. "It wasn't overreaction but heroic measures. That's appreciated."
She told AP that the team had no problem with the Park City halfpipe.
"I heard the pipe was in fantastic condition today," Korbin told AP. "It wasn't anything to do with that. We have absolutely no concerns about the condition of the pipe or manner in which Park City treated his injury. It was commendable."
