Another serious crash occurred in the Livigno halfpipe. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

Canadian freestyler suffers serious fall in halfpipe

Canadian freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe suffered a serious fall during the qualification for the halfpipe final at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

February 19, 2026

From: dpa

The 33-year-old fell on landing after a trick on Thursday, hitting her head hard on the ice tube. Sharpe received lengthy treatment and was taken away on a stretcher after about ten minutes. When she waved both arms and slightly raised her head, the spectators cheered with relief.

The extent of her injuries was initially unknown. A hush fell over the crowd beforehand, while her competitors, including superstar Eileen Gu, watched anxiously as Sharpe was treated in the halfpipe. Teammate Rachael Karker turned away in the finish area and offered comfort while Sharpe received treatment. The 2018 Olympic halfpipe champion is competing in her first Winter Games as a mother. Her daughter Lou was born in 2023.

Several serious falls had already occurred during the snowboard competitions in the Livigno halfpipe. Australian Cameron Bolton broke two cervical vertebrae in one of these falls.