Australian snowboard halfpipe rider Nate Johnstone has suffered an ankle injury in training in preparation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Johnstone had a mishap in a routine halfpipe drill at a training camp at the Otsego Club and Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, suffering a twisted ankle and a suspected ankle fracture.

The 19-year-old AIS rider will undergo scans and consult with an orthopaedic surgeon in Michigan tomorrow morning US time.

Australian Olympic Winter Games Team Medical Director Dr Peter Braun is also in ongoing communication with the Australian team physiotherapist on the ground and US medical personnel involved.

Johnstone, from Sydney, finished last season ranked number two on the FIS World Cup snowboard rankings.

Typically a fractured ankle requires a six week recovery period and with the halfpipe event scheduled for February 17 Johnstone looks to be little hope of getting to his first Games.

"It's very disappointing, it's very difficult timing and that's the biggest thing," said Olympic Winter Institute CEO Geoff Lipshut.

"He's likely to have a fracture - I'm not sure exactly how bad it is but we'll know more tomorrow."

Asked whether his Games were in doubt Lipshut conceded: "absolutely".

"If you have six weeks with a fracture it could be ok, if you have four weeks it makes it very tough," he said.

"If it's minor it could be ok but it will be difficult." 

Barry White
OWI

and AAP