The Olympic dream has been shattered for a popular ski star.

Olympic exit at the last second: Ski ace devastated

Just before the start of the Olympic Games, a popular skier has to accept some devastating news.

February 04, 2026

From: det

For the ski stars, the big Olympic highlight is this Saturday: the downhill race in Bormio. One who won't be there is Henrik von Appen. The Chilean speed specialist injured himself in the last race before the Olympics – in Crans-Montana – and has to end his season prematurely.

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After his crash in the Swiss venue of the 2027 World Championships, von Appen initially appeared defiant, but on Tuesday the 31-year-old had to throw in the towel. "With my heart in my hand, I say these words to you," begins his emotional Instagram post. "The crash in Crans-Montana was too severe and too close to the Olympic Games. My body is badly damaged, and therefore I cannot compete for medals."

Henrik von Appen, ski star from Chile. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

He and his "beloved team" have therefore made a decision. "I will not pursue my Olympic ambitions any further and will end my season. This sport is brutal," said von Appen, who did not reveal any further details about the injury. However, it is not the first time he has been sidelined.

"This sport is brutal." Henrik von Appen

“In 2023, just as I was beginning to feel my way towards the best in the world, had found my style and felt new motivation, skiing reminded me that risk is always part of the game,” said von Appen, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear at that time.

Appen is being airlifted by helicopter. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Instead of participating in his fourth Olympic Games, the Chilean now faces surgery and a months-long break. Von Appen is something of an anomaly in the skiing world. As one of the very few South Americans to have made a name for himself, he has competed in 97 World Cup races to date, achieving his best result of 14th place in Beaver Creek in 2022. This year, he attracted attention with a 16th-place finish in Wengen.

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Henrik Von Appen (@henrikvonappen)

Von Appen is also very popular in the ski scene, especially with the Italian team. The Chilean often trains with them, and he also spent Christmas in Bruneck this year.