Olympic silver medallist, 50, tragically dies after being rushed to hospital following horror bike crash during race

SportOlympics TOSHIAKI FUSHIMI has tragically died aged 50 after crashing during a cycling race. The former Olympic silver medallist was rushed to hospital following a serious collision at the Matsusaka Keirin on Saturday. Toshiaki Fushimi, dressed in black, was competing in the Matsusaka Keirin Fushimi was a legendary figure in Japanese keirin Credit: X Fushimi swerved during the final lap, crashing into the fence. Having suffered serious spinal injuries, the Athens 2004 star was treated by doctors. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But he tragically passed away in hospital at 10:15am local time on Sunday morning, with the Japan Keirin Association confirming the news. Several fans paid tribute to Fushimi on social media. One wrote: “This is such a tragic and shocking loss. Toshia Fushimi dedicated his life to keirin and brought pride to Japan through his achievements, including his Olympic medal and victories at the highest level of the sport.” And a second posted: “It’s all too sudden… My deepest condolences.” A third said: “This is truly heartbreaking news. May you rest in peace.” And another added: “It’s far too sudden… I sincerely pray for their eternal rest.” Most read in Olympics Fushimi was part of the Japanese team that won silver in the men’s team sprint event at Athens 2004. He achieved the special feat alongside team-mates Masaki Inoue and Tomohiro Nagatsuka. The sprinter became a legendary figure in Japanese keirin. In his career he achieved a remarkable 619 wins. The experienced cyclist tragically veered off course 1 comment1