BMX stars Mateo Carmona Garcia and Jaymio Brink were caught up in a frightening crash during the men’s racing heats on Thursday.
The duo were third and fourth when they collided on a set of rollers mid-race.
They subsequently fell down the side of the track while four other competitors – including Great Britain’s Kye Whyte – raced past.
Carmona was able to get back on his bike and finish the race, albeit with a time of 46.500 – over 12 seconds slower than the sixth-placed rider.
Meanwhile, Brink was unable to cross the line after his chain snapped.
Colombian racer Carmona came second in his first heat, while Netherlands star Brink finished fourth.
Both bounced back in the third run to earn a spot in the semi-finals, which will take place on Friday.
Fans took to social media to react to the chaotic scenes, with one person writing: “The BMX racing is an intense watch. Love it. Bet it makes some cracking photos too.”
Another commented: “It is just chaotic carnage. The BMX racing. I can’t comment on your 35 seconds.”
A third said: “If there’s one Olympic sport I’d do its defo BMX racing. Mad stuff.”
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While a fourth added: “BMX racing is mint looks like Mario Kart.”
Team GB’s Whyte – who won silver at Tokyo 2020 – qualified for the semi-finals and will now look to earn another Olympic medal.
Reigning Olympic champion Beth Shriever also booked a spot in the women’s semi-finals after winning each of her three runs.
Fans were left astonished at the Brit’s incredible feat, with one person taking to X to say: “The BMX racing looks like the most fun at the Olympics. Beth Shriever is absolutely smashing it. She’s on fire!”
Another wrote: “Beth Shriever is astonishing It’s like she’s got a motor in that bike.”
While a third commented: “This Shriever girl on the BMX racing is a monster.”
Shriever won Olympic gold in Tokyo three years ago and also has two World Championship titles.
