Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu suffered a scary fall during the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualifying event at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. The incident shocked spectators and athletes alike, highlighting the risks involved in elite winter sports.
What Happened During the Qualifying Run?
During her second run, Liu attempted a high-difficulty trick but lost control at the final takeoff. Her snowboard caught an edge, causing her to flip forward and crash head-first into the bottom of the halfpipe. She remained on the snow for several moments, prompting officials to stop the event immediately.
Medical teams rushed to her side, and the competition was paused for around 10–15 minutes while she was stabilised and carefully moved off the course on a rescue sled.
Medical Update on Liu Jiayu’s Condition
Following initial medical evaluations, team officials confirmed that there were no signs of major spinal injury, which was a huge relief given the severity of the fall. Liu did sustain a head impact and was kept under medical observation as a precautionary measure.
Her health remains the top priority, and further updates are expected from her support team as assessments continue.
Impact on Competition and China’s Medal Hopes
Due to the crash, Liu was unable to improve her qualifying score and did not advance to the final round of the halfpipe competition. This marks an unfortunate end to her campaign at the 2026 Games and is a setback for China’s medal ambitions in women’s snowboarding.
The incident also reignites conversations around athlete safety in high-risk winter sports, where competitors consistently push the limits of performance and skill.
FAQs:
Where did Liu Jiayu’s accident take place?
The accident occurred during the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualifying event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy.
Was Liu Jiayu seriously injured?
Initial reports indicate no serious spinal injury, though she suffered a head impact and was monitored by medical staff.
Was the event delayed because of the crash?
Yes, the competition was temporarily paused while medical teams attended to Liu at the venue.
Will Liu Jiayu compete again at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Liu did not qualify for the halfpipe final after the incident, and her participation in further events will depend on medical clearance.
Disclaimer:
This article is an original rewrite based on publicly available information for general news purposes. Details may change as official medical updates and event reports continue to emerge.
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