(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with athlete's release from hospital)
By Yoo Jee-ho
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korean short track speed skater Choe Un-song was treated for a right ankle injury he suffered during training on Friday.
Choe took a bad spill and crashed hard into safety padding during his first training session at Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, a sub-host city of all ice events during the Feb. 9-25 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
North Korean short track speed skater Choe Un-song takes a fall during training at Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Feb. 2, 2018. (Yonhap)
Choe was stretchered off the ice and taken to a nearby hospital. His right leg was heavily wrapped up as he was carried out of the arena.
Choe reached the hospital at 7:55 p.m., about five minutes after the crash. The Olympic organizing committee said Choe was treated for laceration to his right ankle and was released from the hospital at 9:38 p.m.
It remains uncertain whether Choe would be able to compete in the Olympics. He's scheduled to race in the 500 meters, and the heats for that event will take place on Feb. 20.
Choe's coach, Yun Chol, and teammate Jong Kwang-bom left the arena without speaking to reporters.
Choe is among 22 North Korean athletes set to participate in the first Winter Games in South Korea.
North Korean short track speed skater Choe Un-song (C) writhes in pain after crashing into safety padding during training at Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Feb. 2, 2018. (Yonhap)
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