"In years of shooting skiing, that's the first time I've been hit. I can't believe I moved as fast as i did." K2 Team Photographer Alex O'Brien

Last week K2 athletes Reggie and Zach Crist, were shooting carving action with K2 Team Photographer Alex O'Brien in El Colorado, Chile when this close call went down. When shooting on corduroy, the one thing you need more than anything is speed. Zach lines up a turn with Al; where to initiate, where to apex the turn, and tucks the rest. At the point Zach dipped off the corduroy into some variable ice debris, I'd guess he was moving 35-40 mph. I thought someone was going to get wrecked in the fall. Zach disappeared into a cloud like a cartoon with only hands and feet partially visible, cartwheeling straight for Al. Through the viewfinder, Al sees the impact coming right for him, and jumps to his feet to miss most of the impact, but still gets taken by Zach, clipping his boots.

Chilean photographer Claudio Vicuna shot the secondary angle to capture the carnage. Only Zach came away with a swollen elbow from impacting Al's binding, and plenty of whiplash.

Tags: Alex O'Brien, K2, Zach Crist

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 and is filed under Global News.