Broderick Thompson quits. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

After life-threatening fall: Ski star retires

A Canadian would have loved to continue his skiing career, but on the advice of doctors he has now had to draw a wistful line under it.

29 May 2026

From: leo

“I have a feeling I could push myself out of the start in Kitzbühel tomorrow.” With these words, Canadian speed specialist Broderick Thompson posted on social media. “However, the associated risk is not medically advisable after my brain injury. I respect the scientific findings, the care I have received, am grateful to the doctors who saved my life, and trust those who are looking after my future. Therefore, I am staying away from this risk and seeking my fortune elsewhere.”

Flashback: In November 2023, the 32-year-old suffered a serious crash during the second downhill training run in Beaver Creek on the notorious Golden Eagle jump. Thompson was airlifted to the hospital, where doctors discovered a blood clot in his brain. The Canadian survived but has not returned to the World Cup circuit since. He competed in four slalom races at the FIS level last season.

On a pedestal with Odermatt

And now comes the definitive end of his career. "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me and helped me give my best. I truly gave it my all and look forward to continuing my story as a skier (with softer landings), as an athlete, and as a coach," writes Thompson, who discovered his love for freeriding in recent years.

Dazzling stars alongside Broderick Thompson: Marco Odermatt and Matthias Mayer. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

“I’m also very happy to pass on my passion for skiing to the next generation. And if I were to lose 20 kilos, I could continue my comeback in slalom,” he jokes.

Thompson finished in the top 10 of the World Cup three times during his career. His only podium finish came at Beaver Creek, a place that had marked him in his fateful career, where he took third place in the Super-G in 2021. He participated in two Olympic Games and two World Championships, but a medal eluded him.