Last week, while practicing for the upcoming Winter Olympics Kevin Pearce suffered a traumatic brain injury after striking his head on a half pipe while attempting a tricky cab double cork, a maneuver he’s landed in the past.

Since the fall, he’s been listed as “critical, but stable” condition and has relied on a breathing tube. After a week with really no news and no improvement, there’s a glimmer of hope. Kevin Pearce has now been upgraded to “serious” condition and doctors are optimistic:

Danielle Burch, a spokeswoman for Pearce’s family, said Wednesday that Pearce has improved to serious condition. Burch said Pearce remained in intensive care at University of Utah Hospital, but his breathing tube has been removed. She said he is slowly regaining consciousness and is able to follow commands.

This is just awesome news. Really, really awesome.

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