Snowboarder Pearce to see brain injury specialist

Last Updated: Thursday, February 4, 2010 | 1:04 PM ET

The Associated Press

U.S. snowboarder Ellery Hollingsworth holds a sign in support of fellow snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who was critically injured during a halfpipe training accident on Dec. 31. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

U.S. snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who was in critical condition after banging his head on the halfpipe during practice but is improving, has been transferred to a Denver hospital specializing in brain injuries.

Pearce was taken to University of Utah hospital following the accident Dec. 31.

An update Thursday says Pearce is making "excellent strides." He has been moved to Craig Hospital, considered one of the top rehabilitation facilities for people with traumatic brain injuries.

Doctors at the Utah hospital say Pearce is able to walk and perform daily activities with assistance.

They describe his progress as "tremendous."

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Doctors encouraged by snowboarder Pearce's improvement

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