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BMX Olympic Debut Sees 4 US Riders Advance

Super sweep remains possible as men survive flashy crashes

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2008 5:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – BMX proved that it deserves its debut as an Olympic sport, with an exciting day full of crashes and injuries. All three American men made it through their qualifying heats, some more battered than others. On the women's side, Jill Kintner won the right to represent the US in the finals of the event that involves tiny bikes and big jumps.

"I felt super today," said Mike Day, who won all three of his qualifying heats. Teammate Donny Robinson took a tumble in one race but made up for it in his other runs, and Kyle Baxter looked in top form until a hard crash left him with a separated shoulder. With rain delaying the semifinals, Baxter may have enough time to heal.

A worker removes water from the BMX course after the semifinals and finals of the women's and men's cycling BMX competitions at the Summer Olympics were postponed for one day.
A worker removes water from the BMX course after the semifinals and finals of the women's and men's cycling BMX competitions at the Summer Olympics were postponed for one day.   (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Kyle Bennett, of the United States, holds his left arm in pain as he makes for the finish line during the BMX Men's quarterfinal run after separating his shoulder.
Kyle Bennett, of the United States, holds his left arm in pain as he makes for the finish line during the BMX Men's quarterfinal run after separating his shoulder.   (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Mike Day, of the United States, is airborne during the BMX Men's quarterfinal run, at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.
Mike Day, of the United States, is airborne during the BMX Men's quarterfinal run, at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Riders take off from the starting ramp during the BMX Men's Quaterfinals run, at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.
Riders take off from the starting ramp during the BMX Men's Quaterfinals run, at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Donny Robinson, foreground, and Mike Day, of the United States, cross each other after cmpleting their BMX Men's quarterfinal run. Both will move on to the finals today.
Donny Robinson, foreground, and Mike Day, of the United States, cross each other after cmpleting their BMX Men's quarterfinal run. Both will move on to the finals today.   (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
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