Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris is cleared to compete in slopestyle after suffering a concussion and pelvic injuries during a training crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 32-year-old, who has won bronze medals in slopestyle at the last three Olympics, lost consciousness when he fell eight days ago at Livigno Snow Park.

McMorris described catching a dreaded "snow snake" - a near-invisible chunk of snow or debris - that caused him to tumble. He suffered an abdominal strain, bruising at the top of his pelvis, and the concussion, but no fractures. The injury forced him to withdraw from big air competition, though he confirmed his goals for slopestyle remain "very much so" intact.

This latest scare adds to McMorris's history of serious injuries, including a near-fatal 2017 backcountry accident where he broke 17 bones and suffered a collapsed lung. Despite the dangers inherent in snowboarding, McMorris said he tries to "be calculated with the risk" and is thankful to have passed all medical tests. Slopestyle qualifying begins next Monday, where McMorris will attempt to add to his impressive resume that includes 12 X Games titles.