BMX Rider Collides With Olympics Official After They Casually Strolled Onto The Track Mid-Race

There were truly horrifying scenes in the BMX event at the Olympic Games after a Tokyo official was hit by one of the riders.

Dutch BMX rider Niek Kimmann accidentally collided with the official after they casually strolled onto the track while the race was still going.

Looking up at the last minute, Kimmann was unable to avoid hurling into the Tokyo organiser, causing a massive crash on the circuit.

It's unknown exactly how fast the Dutchman was travelling at the time, but judging by the sheer sound of the impact it's probably safe to say that he was going pretty damn quick.

When footage of the wild incident aired, you can hear someone in the distance yelling "watch out, watch out" in the direction of the unaware official.

But it was too little, too late.

The official was sent flying into the air as Kimmann was flung over his handlebars.

Looking back at past BMX events on the world stage, it's hard to find a time in the archives when something similar to this actually happened.

I mean, what was the official thinking?

Thankfully, both parties appeared uninjured as they made their way from the Tokyo circuit where they were assessed by medical staff.

"So this is what happened today," Kimmann said on social media while also posting a clip of the incident itself.

"Hit an official that wanted to cross the 2nd straight. Hope the official is O.K. My knee is sore, but will do my best to be ready for Thursday! Thanks everyone for the messages, appreciate it!"

PA

This isn't the first time that an official has found themselves squarely in the firing line during these Tokyo Games.

In the men's triathlon event earlier this week, a boat parked itself on the starting line, blocking half the competitors from entering the water when the claxon sounded.

Then, in a last-ditch attempt to move out of the way, the boat reversed and narrowly avoided colliding with the remaining athletes who had already began the race.

To put it simply, it was complete and utter chaos - just like the events that unfolded here at the BMX course.

Topics: olympics, Tokyo Olympics, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry