Jakob Mandlbauer is doing well, considering the circumstances. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Austrian bobsled pilot released from hospital after crash

Three days after his serious crash in the Olympic four-man bobsleigh races, Austrian pilot Jakob Mandlbauer has been released from the hospital in Salzburg.

February 24, 2026

From: dpa

As the Austrian Olympic Committee announced, the 27-year-old was initially taken to the hospital in Cortina and then transferred by air ambulance from Treviso to Salzburg on Sunday. There he underwent a comprehensive examination and received further medical care.

"The pain is still there, but it's getting better every day. I'm glad to be home now," Mandlbauer said in the statement. He plans to start physiotherapy next week. "We're optimistic that we can get everything back to normal with physiotherapy. But I'm aware that it won't happen overnight," the bobsled pilot added.

Crash in turn nine

Mandlbauer was temporarily treated at the Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso. Ski star Lindsey Vonn was also treated and underwent multiple surgeries at the same clinic after her serious crash in the Olympic downhill race.

Austria's bobsled had overturned. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Mandlbauer crashed in the second run after a driving error in turn nine. "The mistake annoys me even more now because it was the same one twice," he explained. His pushers were able to leave the ice track at the Cortina Sliding Centre on their own. The pilot had to be rescued on a stretcher. Mandlbauer had complained of neck pain.