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Triathlete Simon Whitfield says he broke collarbone in Olympic crash

Associated Press
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Canada's Simon Whitfield is hugged by his wife, Jennie, after crashing out of the men's triathlon at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Then Canadian Press, Sean Kilpatrick) (AP2012)

Canada's Simon Whitfield, left, is helped by teammate Brent McMahon before the start of the men's triathlon at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Simon Whitfield says he broke his collarbone when he crashed on his bike in Tuesday's Olympic triathlon.

The 37-year-old from Victoria says via Twitter that it's a "small break, not displaced."

Whitfield was forced to drop out of Tuesday's race after he crashed spectacularly in a freak accident early in the bike leg.

In addition to the broken collarbone, Whitfield needed stitches in his big toe. He said his knees and shins were also banged up in the crash.

Whitfield, the Olympic champion in 2000 and silver medallist in 2008, was considered a medal longshot in London.

He was Canada's flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies in London.