Olympic medalist Toshiaki Fushimi dies after keirin race crash
The Japanese cyclist, 50, died after hitting a safety barrier during the Matsusaka Keirin tournament, according to reports.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Japanese cyclist Toshiaki Fushimi, an Olympic silver medalist, has died after a crash during a race in Japan, according to TMZ and other reports. He was 50.
Fushimi was racing Saturday at the Matsusaka Keirin tournament when riders ahead of him collided, TMZ reported. Video shared on X appeared to show the crash unfolding in front of him before he moved toward the side of the track.
According to U.K. Metro, Fushimi was the rider wearing black in the footage. The outlet reported that he avoided the pileup itself, but then struck a safety barrier.
Hochi News reported that Fushimi suffered fractures to his cervical vertebrae and skull. He was taken to a hospital after the crash and died the next day, according to the report.
Hiroshi Kido, chairman of the Japan Keirin Association, addressed Fushimi’s death in a statement reported by The Independent.
“It is truly heartbreaking that he lost his life in an accident during a race,” Kido said, according to The Independent. “We will reconfirm our safety measures and thoroughly ensure fair and safe races.”
Fushimi represented Japan at the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he won silver in the men’s team sprint, according to TMZ.
The fatal accident has drawn attention because it came during a keirin event, a cycling discipline closely associated with Japan. The reports did not include further details on any review of the race beyond Kido’s statement on safety measures.
A post on X that circulated race footage described Fushimi as a former Olympic silver medalist and a two-time Grand Prix champion. The video was posted July 19 and said the incident occurred during a keirin race on July 18.
No additional statement from Fushimi’s family was included in the reports.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.