(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
A jarring video of Chris Lillis crashing during a practice jump surfaced on TikTok Wednesday as the Pittsford native gets ready to compete in men’s aerials Friday, Feb. 20, at the Olympics in Livigno, Italy.
The nearly 9-second TikTok video posted by Bleacher Report shows Lillis twisting in the air as his coach can be heard yelling instructions from off-camera. After an incredible number of flips and twists, Lillis’ head can be heard smacking the ground as he lands. He continues sliding down the hill on his side before lying motionless at the bottom. It ends with his coach yelling if he’s all right.
Chris Lillis crashes violently in video
The scary video has generated nearly 4,000 reactions, 36 comments and nearly 100 saves on TikTok since it was posted four hours ago (late Wednesday morning). Many of the commenters worried over his health. But keen observers would have spotted that the source of the video was … Lillis himself.
Chris Lillis shared the video days ago
It turns out that Lillis actually posted a longer version of that video on Instagram more than a week ago. But its unclear when the video was recorded.
“For all the haters here’s one of me crashing to get you stoked. Don’t worry I’m pretty tough” Lillis wrote for a 12-second reel posted Feb. 8.
That post has generated more than 50,000 likes and over 1,300 comments on Instagram and generated 2.1 million views on Facebook.
While the video certainly shook up Lillis’ supporters, one commenter wryly noted that a guy seen raking snow in the landing area “didn’t even break stride” after Chris hit the ground.
Lillis has posted four more jump videos since the Feb. 8 with no signs of any ill effects.
Lillis is set to compete in men’s aerials Thursday
Qualifying runs in men’s aerials begin at 5 a.m. Thursday at Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park and will be broadcast. The finals are set to follow at 8 a.m. but won’t be broadcast on Channel 10 until noon Thursday. Both events are available on Peacock for streaming.
Bill Wolcott is a producer who helps cover the Buffalo Bills, high school and Rochester sports in general. The lifelong New Yorker has been a journalist for 31 years.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Scary TikTok video shows Chris Lillis crashing during practice
Reporting by Bill Wolcott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
