MISHIMA (Japan) -- BMX rider Connor Fields was discharged from St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, on Thursday. He had suffered a brain bleed in his semifinal race at Olympics.In a statement, Dr. Jonathan Finnoff (the chief medical officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee) stated that Fields would be able to return home to Henderson, Nevada in the next few days to start his rehabilitation.Lisa Fields, his mother, said that Connor was able to speak to a few of us via FaceTime. She was relieved to hear her voice and to watch him move around. It also showed that Connor's sense of humor, strength, and humor are still intact. His sly smile speaks louder than any scan. But, those are also looking great. We are overjoyed to learn that he has booked a return flight.Because of strict COVID-19 restrictions, family members are not allowed to visit Fields in Tokyo. Since the accident, he has been taken care of by USA Cycling and the USOPC.Fields, 28 years old, had already qualified for Friday's finals based on his two semifinal heats. The gate dropped for Friday's finals. As he fell hard into the first turn, he was surrounded by riders to his right and left. Fields was struck hard by the ground, but he was also hit with high speed by two riders.He was still motionless until the race ended. Fields was then taken to the hospital by medical personnel.Fields suffered a brain hemorhage during the crash. The Olympic neurosurgeon was available in case of surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. However, a CT scan the next morning revealed no further brain injuries.Fields suffered broken ribs, a collapsed lung and other injuries in the crash.Saya Sakakibara, an Australian cyclist, had to be taken off a stretcher the same day after a collision.Fields is a two-time world champion. He has been in bad accidents before. It's normal in a sport where riders race side-by-side on ramps and around corners. He was knocked unconscious by a head injury at the 2018 national championships. After waking up, he was strapped to an ambulance and taken to the hospital."When I inquired about what happened," he said, ahead of the Tokyo Games. "They told me that I had a seizure upon impact. I've never been knocked out, and I was terrified when they said that.A few months later, he was cleared to ride once more and began work towards qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.
