Cassie Sharpe’s Olympic Dream Paused After Halfpipe Crash

Livigno, Italy – Canadian freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe’s pursuit of another Olympic medal has been temporarily halted after a significant crash during Thursday’s women’s freeski halfpipe qualifying run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. The 33-year-old, a gold medalist in 2018 and silver medalist in 2022, was removed from the course on a sled following the incident.

What Happened to Cassie Sharpe?

Sharpe suffered a fall while attempting a trick during her second qualifying run. Rescue operations were tense, with the crowd falling silent, but spectators cheered as Sharpe waved to them while being taken away on a sled. Initial reports indicate Sharpe lost consciousness briefly but was awake and talking before being transported to the Livigno clinic for further evaluation .

Sharpe’s Condition and Olympic Future

According to Peter Judge, CEO of Freestyle Canada, Sharpe’s condition is currently stable. While she qualified for Saturday’s final with a score of 88.25 in her first run, it is unlikely she will compete due to the injury . The organization will await further updates from medical staff before making a final decision.

Other Canadian Results

Despite Sharpe’s setback, other Canadian athletes performed well in the qualifying round. Calgary’s Amy Fraser secured a spot in the final, ranking seventh with a score of 81.75. Rachael Karker, of Erin, Ontario, finished ninth with 78.25 points. Unfortunately, Dillan Glennie, of North Vancouver, B.C., did not qualify, finishing 14th with a score of 73.00 .

Gu Advances Despite Fall

Defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu likewise advanced to the final, despite experiencing a fall during her opening run. She clipped the lip of the halfpipe, causing her to lose a ski and fall to the bottom of the course .

Looking Ahead

The women’s freeski halfpipe final is scheduled for Saturday, where Fraser and Karker will represent Canada. All eyes will be on Sharpe’s recovery, hoping for a swift return to the slopes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in freestyle skiing, even for the most decorated athletes .