Cassie Sharpe, the renowned Canadian freestyle skier and two-time Olympic medalist, has been hospitalized following a serious crash during the women’s halfpipe qualifying round at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
On February 19, 2026, in Livigno, Italy, the 33-year-old athlete was in solid form, having secured second place in her initial run. However, during her second attempt, a perilous jump resulted in her losing both skis and poles, leading to a heavy tumble onto her left side and a face-first slide down the halfpipe. Emergency medical teams attended to her on site as she remained motionless for nearly nine minutes before being transported from the course on a stretcher. Despite the grave situation, Sharpe managed to wave to the crowd, indicating her awareness, which brought a moment of relief amidst growing concern.
Sharpe’s ascent in freestyle skiing began with a gold medal in the halfpipe at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, followed by a silver medal in Beijing in 2022. After becoming a mother in 2024 through an emergency C-section that posed challenges for her return to training, she resumed competition in 2025, balancing her family life with the demands of elite sports. Cautious about potential risks, she often spoke in interviews about weighing her aerial tricks against their impact on her family, especially considering her history of concussions between 2019 and 2020.
While no official details regarding her hospitalization or injury have been released, the extended time medical staff spent with her suggests there may be concerns about concussions, fractures, or soft-tissue injuries, which are prevalent in halfpipe falls at speeds over 40 km/h. Historical data from previous Olympic events indicates a high incidence of injuries in freestyle skiing, with around 25% of athletes experiencing significant incidents, including 15-20% involving head trauma.
Sharpe’s crash raises uncertainty about her qualification for the finals, as her participation is contingent on medical clearance. Canada’s team remains hopeful, looking toward alternates to capitalize on podium opportunities among a competition field of around 30 elite skiers.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for Sharpe on social media, with the hashtag #GetWellCassie trending as fans and fellow athletes rally around her. Many have expressed solidarity and emphasized the need for improved athlete safety measures, such as advanced padding to mitigate risks.
Sharpe’s journey—from recovering from concussions to navigating motherhood—fuels optimism for her recovery. As the situation develops, her story serves as both a reminder of the risks in freestyle skiing and an inspiration to future competitors to prioritize their health while pursuing their passion.