Ives received immediate treatment. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Another fall in the halfpipe: New Zealander treated

The latest serious fall in the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics in Livigno has caused shock.

February 20, 2026

From: dpa

New Zealand freestyle skier Finley Melville Ives fell hard onto the ice track after a trick, hitting his head as well. Helpers attended to the 19-year-old, and after six minutes he was stretchered off the finish area to applause from the spectators. His teammate Gustav Legnavsky wept at the start and was comforted by a competitor. There was initially no information on the severity of Melville Ives' injury.

Qualifying for tonight's final has resumed. Melville Ives, one of the favorites, will not be participating, having crashed in the first of two qualifying runs.

Ives is the reigning world champion. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

There had already been several serious falls in the halfpipe in recent days. On Thursday evening... Cassie Sharpe, The 2018 Canadian Olympic freestyle champion was struck on the head and received treatment for approximately ten minutes. She is in stable condition, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced. She is being examined by COC and Freestyle Canada medical personnel, the statement continued. No further information is currently available.

In addition, Australian snowboarder Cameron Bolton broke two cervical vertebrae in a fall.