Alexandra Loutitt is seriously injured. © NTB / LISE ASERUD

Olympic ski jump dangerous? Next athlete injured

After several serious falls at the premiere of the competition on the rebuilt Olympic ski jumps in Predazzo, Austria's ski jumpers have decided not to compete in the large hill competition.

September 20, 2025

From: dpa

In consultation with the sports management, the head coach and the athletes, it was decided not to compete “for safety reasons,” the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) announced.

Austrian Eva Pinkelnig fell during her second jump from the normal hill at the 2026 Olympic venue on Thursday evening at the Summer Grand Prix, suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, a tear in both the medial and lateral meniscus, and cartilage damage. The 37-year-old 2023 overall World Cup winner will miss the Winter Games next February.

World association considers changes

On Friday evening, former Canadian world champion Alexandria Loutitt fell during the large hill qualification for the competition and, according to initial reports, also suffered a serious knee injury. Japanese Nordic combined athlete Haruka Kasai also fell on mats during the summer competition.

Eva Pinkelnig will miss the Olympic season. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

According to the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), the world governing body (FIS) is "now considering necessary changes in the equipment sector to counteract the current developments in women's ski jumping and restore the highest possible safety for the athletes." Austria's men's ski jumping team will participate in the remaining competitions at the major Olympic test as planned, it was announced. The German jumpers are also expected to compete.