As Bobsled Sped Toward Him, He Opted to Jump

Track worker fled just in time at World Cup event
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 19, 2019 8:41 AM CST

A voice yelled "Get out of the way! Get out of the track!" By then, a track worker at a World Cup bobsled event in Lake Placid, NY, didn't need telling. He was already heaving himself over the edge of the track as a 4-man bobsled barreled toward him. It missed him by inches. "He thought they were still upside down," a stunned TV commentator said in video captured by the CBC. "Wow, that was close." The worker had been on the track Saturday to help the team from Monaco, whose bobsled flipped sideways during a run. Shortly before arriving at his location, the sled righted itself so that it was speeding when it came into view.

With seconds to act, the man grabbed the edge of the track and jumped, landing on his back in what looked like a small alcove, per Fox News. Monaco's team, piloted by Rudy Rinaldi, "all appeared to be visibly shaken," per People, which notes team member Thibault Demarthon was afterward seen sitting near the track with his head bowed. The crash meant Monaco lost their lead after the first heat. The team finished in a tie for last place with Switzerland. Canada's team, piloted by Justin Kripps, won the event, with Latvia and Russia finishing second and third, respectively. (A track worker at the Sochi Olympics couldn't get out of the way.)

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