Australian Jarryd Hughes crashes out of Olympic snowboard cross early after 2018 silver medal

Jarryd Hughes came to Beijing believing he could go one better than his silver medal four years ago.

But his Winter Olympic dream turned into a nightmare with his shock elimination after he crashed in the opening round of the snowboard cross competition on Thursday.

WATCH ABOVE: Jarryd Hughes inconsolable after heartbreaking crash

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In PyeongChang, Hughes flew the flag for Australia, alongside Alex “Chumpy” Pullin who also made the final to finish sixth.

It was hardly an ideal lead-up for Hughes as he recovered from surgery on his troublesome ankle just four months ago.

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old believed he had what it took to reach the podium again.

“That’s not what I came to do and it’s just a crap result,” a clearly shaken Hughes told Channel 7, admitting he was “holding back tears”.

“It’s been a lot to get back, especially with surgery.

“But I’d been feeling great the last couple of weeks and it finally felt like it was all coming together.”

After struggling in the seeding runs due to what he described as unideal wind conditions, Hughes found himself up against world No.1 Martin Noerl of Germany, as well as Spaniard Lucas Eguibar and another German in Paul Berg, both of who have been in the top two in the world in the past.

Hughes started the race slowly, but caught up to the leading pack and was within striking distance towards the pointy end of the race.

Then, as he tried to overtake the leaders on a turn, his snowboard came out from underneath him and he crashed out.

“I was in a good position. Didn’t have the best start, but was doing alright,” he said.

“Had to send it down the inside and I blew out.

“That’s the way boarder