US champion Abbott falls hard in short program

Jeremy Abbott of the United States, crashes into the boards after falling during the men’s short program figure skating competition at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. AP PHOTO/THE CANADIAN PRESS, PAUL CHIASSON

SOCHI, Russia—US champion Jeremy Abbott fell hard on an attempted quadruple toe loop Thursday in the men’s short program at the Olympics, yet finished the routine.

Abbott crashed to the ice on his first jump and slid into the padded end boards, staying down for an extended period, clutching his right hip. He looked like he wouldn’t get up, and his coaches moved toward the entry door to the ice.

But Abbott, 28, struggled to his feet and, to the surprise of many and the applause of the crowd, resumed skating.

And he performed quite well, hitting the rest of his elements.

When his music stopped, the four-time champion drew a huge ovation from the fans. He hit himself lightly in the head while shaking it, as if to say he couldn’t believe what had just happened.—Barry Wilner