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Top US snowboarder Kevin Pearce

Olympic snowboarding medal hope Kevin Pearce remains in a critical condition after suffering a head injury during a training ground accident in Utah.

The 22-year-old American suffered a "severe, traumatic brain injury" after landing on his head during a double back-flip, said doctor Holly Ledyard.

Pearce - one of the United States' best snowboarders - was preparing for qualifiers for the Vancouver Games.

"Kevin has a long recovery ahead of him," added Dr Ledyard.

"The focus over the next week will be watching for any swelling in his brain and keeping his brain pressure normal."

Pearce, from Vermont, has been in intensive care at University of Utah Hospital since the injury, sustained in Park City on 31 December.

Pearce's spokeswoman Danielle Burch released a statement from the American's parents thanking people for the support they have received since his accident and praising the medical staff who are treating him.

"We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from Kevin's friends, family, and fans from every corner of the world. We thank each and every one of you for your kind thoughts, messages and prayers," said Pia and Simon Pearce.

"We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to Kevin's doctors and nurses for all they have done and all they continue to do. Kevin is the most extraordinary and determined son any two parents could hope for and it is wonderful to see how loved he is."

Pearce is thought to have caught the toe-side edge of his snowboard before landing on his head, which was protected by a helmet.

In December, Pearce suffered concussion after falling during a preliminary run at Copper Mountain in Colorado in a previous qualifier for the Winter Olympics, which begin on 12 February.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/8438600.stm