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Leaf Blower Strikes Team USA's Ben Loomis During Olympic Nordic Combined Jump

Officials apologized after offering a re-jump that he declined, sharpening questions over snow-clearing safety in blizzard conditions.

Overview

  • Loomis was clipped on the shoulder by equipment left in the in-run as he launched at Predazzo, scuffing his suit but causing no injury.
  • Leaf blowers were being used by course staff to clear fresh snow between jumps during blizzard conditions, a standard practice in ski jumping.
  • Officials immediately apologized, with competition director Lasse Ottesen calling the mistake “very regrettable” and FIS conveying regret to Team USA.
  • Loomis was offered a re-jump but declined due to deteriorating conditions, and the U.S. team did not file an appeal, so the results stood.
  • The United States finished seventh in the team sprint, 2:24 behind gold-medalist Norway, as video of the incident drew surprised on-air reactions.