Japanese cycling legend Toshiaki Fushimi has died after suffering catastrophic injuries in a crash during the Matsusaka Keirin race. He was 50.
The Japan Keirin Association confirmed Fushimi’s death after the former Olympic silver medalist crashed during the final lap of Saturday’s race.
Race footage appeared to show Fushimi attempting to avoid a collision ahead of him by veering toward the outside of the track. He managed to swerve away from the other riders but then slammed into the outer barrier in a frightening scene.
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Fushimi was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries following the crash. He died at 10:15 a.m. Sunday.
The veteran rider was one of the most accomplished cyclists in Japanese Keirin history.
Fushimi represented Japan at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where he won a silver medal in the men’s team sprint alongside Masaki Inoue and Tomohiro Nagatsuka.
He also claimed multiple Keirin Grand Prix titles during his career and recorded an extraordinary 619 victories.
News of his death sent shockwaves through the international cycling community, with former rivals and fellow athletes paying tribute to his talent and professionalism.
Retired Malaysian cyclist Josiah Ng Onn Lam, who competed against Fushimi for years, shared an emotional message on Instagram.
“Toshiaki Fushimi wasn’t just a competitor,” he wrote. “He was one of the best Keirin riders Japan has ever produced. Grand Prix winner. Olympic Silver Medalist. A true professional on the track.”
Ng said their years of competition created a lasting bond of mutual respect.
“We raced against each other for years. That kind of rivalry builds a respect that doesn’t fade,” he continued.
“Devastated to hear he lost his life doing what he loved. My thoughts are with his family and the entire Keirin community in Japan. Rest in peace, champion.”
Fushimi’s death marks a devastating loss for Japanese cycling and the global Keirin community, where he was remembered as both a fierce competitor and one of the sport’s most respected champions.