Cassie Sharpe Injured in Women’s Freeski Halfpipe at Milano Cortina 2026

The women’s freeski halfpipe event took a dramatic turn on Thursday as two-time Olympic medalist Cassie Sharpe experienced a serious fall during her qualifying run.

The Incident: A Scary Fall

Sharpe, a Canadian freestyle skier, was nearing the end of her second run when she lost control and crashed, sliding to the center of the halfpipe. For several moments, she lay motionless, prompting a hushed silence from the crowd that had gathered at Livigno Snow Park for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Medical Response

Medical personnel swiftly responded, taking several minutes to assess her condition before transporting her off the course on a stretcher. According to reports from CBC, Sharpe regained consciousness while being treated, with medical officials confirming that she was awake and able to communicate, though she had initially lost consciousness.

Focus on Recovery

The Canadian Freestyle team shared that Sharpe was taken to a local clinic for further examination. Freestyle Canada CEO Peter Judge reported that she is currently in stable condition but emphasized that a cautious approach would likely prevent her from competing in Saturday’s finals.

Performance Leading Up to the Fall

Prior to her unfortunate accident, Sharpe performed impressively in her first qualifying run, achieving the third-best score. This secured her a place in the finals, highlighting her ability to compete at a high level following a two-year hiatus from competitions to focus on motherhood.

Quotes from Officials

Freestyle Canada CEO, Peter Judge, stated, “While we are optimistic about her condition, safety is our utmost priority.”

Olympic Journey and Achievements

Cassie Sharpe boasts an impressive Olympic history, having won:

• Gold Medal in 2018 (Pyeongchang)
• Silver Medal in 2022 (Beijing)

Her recent step back from competitions followed the birth of her child, marking a new chapter in her personal and professional life.

What Lies Ahead for Sharpe?

As discussions around her participation in the finals grow, the Freestyle Canada team continues to monitor her recovery closely. While she may sit out this event, the skiing community remains hopeful for her swift return to the slopes.

For ongoing updates about Olympic athletes and events, check out resources like Olympics.com and ESPN’s Olympic Coverage.

The story of Cassie Sharpe’s courageous journey is a reminder of the inherent risks and rewards associated with extreme sports. Her resilience in facing challenges continues to inspire many in the skiing community.