Former Olympians injured in accident in Biden’s motorcade in US

American former Olympians Peggy Fleming and Vonetta Flowers suffered minor injuries in a car crash Sunday while riding in U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s motorcade at the Vancouver Games.

Ms. Fleming, who won the figure skating gold medal at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics, said she was in a van with Ms. Flowers, former American Olympic hockey captain Mike Eruzione, as well as White House and Secret Service personnel.

The motorcade was headed to a hockey game when their van was rear-ended just before midday, she said.

Ms. Fleming said Mr. Biden had a physician with him who looked at everybody on the scene. They were then checked at a hospital as a precaution.

“It was just a really jarring twist of the neck, but I think we’re going to be OK,” Ms. Fleming said. “I think I’ll have a stiff neck tomorrow and stiff muscles.”

Mr. Biden was not involved in the accident.

Ms. Flowers won gold in the bobsled with partner Jill Bakken at the Salt Lake City Games.

The two former Olympians later attended a figure skating competition, sitting in the row in front of Mr. Biden.

Olympic security spokesman Scott Gordon said the accident was possibly caused by poor road conditions and perhaps an oil slick.