Czech skater hospitalised after fall

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

LYON, France (AFP) — Czech figure skater Olga Prokuronova was hospitalised after badly falling on her head in the pairs final at the European figure skating championships here.

Prokuronova, 16, crashed to the ice after partner Karel Stefl lost his footing attempting a difficult Group 5 lasso lift at the beginning of their free skating programme to the soundtracks Madagascar and Pearl Harbour.

ISU medical advisor Dr. Ruben Ambartsumov said that after an initial examination the skater appeared not to be injured.

"As a matter of procedure in the interest of the security of the athlete she was taken to hospital for further examination and x-rays," he added.

The Czech national champions, competing in their first international compeition, had been in tenth...