Tory Nyhaug's status as a possible medal winner for Canada in BMX cycling at the London Olympics hangs precariously by a thread, as the young rider from Coquitlam, B.C., waits in a Dutch hospital for a decision on whether his injured spleen will be removed.
Nyhaug, 20, will miss the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) world championship because of a ruptured spleen suffered 10 days ago in a World Cup race at Papendal, the Netherlands, the Canadian Cycling Association said. The worlds are scheduled for Birmingham, Eng., May 24-27. The men's BMX races at the Olympics -- from qualifying through the final -- are Aug. 8-10
Nyhaug was upbeat despite his injury, sending a Twitter message: "Super pumped about racing today. I'll be back..."
But how soon is another matter.
"Tory is a very resilient and determined individual," said CCA high performance director Jacques Landry.
"He is an athlete that is targeted for 2016 but if there is any chance he can be ready for August 2012 there is no doubt in my mind that Tory, his family and his team of medical and training experts will pull out all stops to make the summer of 2012 happen for him."
Nyhaug has been in Dutch hospital since May 13. CCA spokesman Guy Napert-Frenette said. The Canadian athlete is under the care of local doctors and Canadian team physician Dr. Bruce Davidson. Napert-Frenette said Nyhaug's spleen might not be healed in time to prepare for the Olympics. Removal of the spleen is an option.
The spleen is an internal organ that is part of the immune system. It has a role in helping the body fight infection, but life is possible without a spleen as other organs can take over some of the functions.
"Originally, they were looking for a possible hairline fracture in the wrist. It turned out no bones were broken, but they have to deal with the spleen," Napert-Frenette said.
"Whatever his decision, it won't be determined by us (the CCA), but by Tory and his family. He's not going to be thrust into the Games against his will."
The Dutch course has been described as a model for the Olympic course in England.
The Canadian men's team has one position for the Summer Olympics but it could be in jeopardy depending on Canada results at the Birmingham worlds.
Competitors earn qualifying points throughout the season and the world championship is the final event before results are tallied ahead of London.
Nyhaug, 20, finished ninth at the 2011 world championships. He won the 2011 Canadian BMX title. He was one of four elite Canadian men entered. The others are Connor McCormack, Mischa Partridge and Derek Sipkoi.
The 2012 worlds will feature BMX races and time trials for men and women in the elite and junior categories. Top ranked man is U.S. biker Connor Fields. Top ranked woman is Australia's Caroline Buchanan -- Australia boasts three of the top five ranked female riders. Canada send out two elite women riders, 76th-ranked Sabrina Millman and 96th-ranked Amelia Walsh.