Doctors encouraged by snowboarder Pearce's improvement

U.S. half-pipe rider 'actively participating in his therapies'

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 | 8:41 PM ET

The Associated Press

Doctors removed U.S. snowboarder Kevin Pearce's breathing tube last week and upgraded his condition from critical to serious. (Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images)

Doctors say U.S. snowboarder Kevin Pearce is conscious and making encouraging strides in his recovery after suffering a severe brain injury last month during half-pipe training in Utah.

Dr. Elaine Skalabrin said in a statement Wednesday that Pearce is "actively participating in his therapies" and making daily progress.

Doctors at University Hospital in Salt Lake City removed Pearce's breathing tube last week and upgraded his condition from critical to serious.

Family spokeswoman Danielle Burch says Pearce is still in serious condition and remains in intensive care.

Pearce was injured on New Year's Eve in an accident during halfpipe training in Park City, Utah.

The 22-year-old from Norwich, Vt., is a top-ranked half-pipe rider.

© The Canadian Press, 2010