Downhill racer nearly hits course worker

The International Ski Federation has dismissed as "no big deal" an incident when a racer in the men's Olympic Alpine downhill nearly hit a course worker who fell near the finish line.

Race director Guenter Hujara conceded Monday the incident involving Australian skier Craig Branch "looked a little scary."

But he called it "no big deal" after an investigation showed official procedures to flag down racers for safety reasons were followed.

The volunteer had finished grooming the icy snow between runners and slipped as Branch approached the final jump.

Branch, who was No. 39 of 64 starters, skied directly ahead as the volunteer scrambled off the course. He placed 34th.

Hujara said the next racer was stopped until the track was cleared.