Austrian snowboarder Schairer breaks neck in scary crash

From bottom to top is Pierre Vaultier, of France; Jarryd Hughes, of Australia; Markus Schairer, of Austria; and Hanno Douschan, of Austria runs the course during the men’s snowboard cross elimination round at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea on Thursday, February 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — Markus Schairer of Austria is heading home for treatment after breaking his neck in a frightening crash during the Olympic men’s snowboard cross quarterfinals.

Schairer lost control in the air on the final jump of the treacherous downhill course on Thursday. He slammed into the snow on his back, sending his goggles flying. He was able to get to his feet before being taken for a medical exam.

The Austrian Olympic Committee said Schairer fractured the fifth vertebrae in his neck. It said there is no indication the 30-year-old Schairer experienced any neurological impairment or long-term damage.              /kga