A member of Honduras’ Youth Olympic Games judo team has undergone surgery after suffering a neck injury this week.

Kevin Fernandez, 18, was injured during the mixed-team event on the final day of the judo competition. He was rushed immediately to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Said a Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee spokesman: “The athlete was immediately attended to by the on-site medical team, and taken to SGH where he underwent surgery” … “The athlete is now in stable condition and under observation at SGH” … “The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee will provide as much assistance as possible to ensure the smooth recovery of the athlete.”

Kevin’s injury was serious and could have paralyzed the athlete. Fortunately, he was taken to hospital quickly and the operation was performed successfully.

Honduras’ chief de mission, Luis Alonzo Moran Serverron, revealed yesterday that Kevin is in good spirits, saying, “He (Kevin) is fine, and the operation was very good. Everything is okay.”

The Honduras Youth Olympic team leaves for home today, but weightlifting coach Juan Carlos Guanche will stay behind with Kevin, who finished ninth in the boys’ 81kg event.

Kevin is expected to be discharged in two weeks’ time. His parents will fly in to visit him next week.

From: Straits Times News.
By Chan U-Gene