Austrian bobsledder Jakob Mandlbauer was hospitalized on Saturday following a dramatic crash during the four-man bobsled event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The accident occurred when Mandlbauer’s bobsled flipped over on the track, resulting in him being dragged along and his head striking against the wall. Fortunately, reports indicate that he has avoided serious injuries.
Mandlbauer was promptly examined by medical personnel at the scene before being transported via stretcher to a hospital in Cortina. According to an Austrian teammate, Mandlbauer is alert, conscious, and responsive, moving his hands and legs after the incident.
While the initial assessments raised concerns about possible cervical issues, the team’s press spokesperson Christoph Iglhauser remarked that Mandlbauer is in stable condition and being monitored carefully. He expressed confidence that the athlete would be fine, stating, “It’s just a check. Everyone else is fine. No injury, only a check.”
Mandlbauer’s three teammates, who do not protrude from the bobsled as the pilot does, exited the track unharmed. In the broader context, British bobsledder Greg Hackett remarked on the inherent dangers of the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie among competitors, stating, “We’re here to compete… But we’re all mates. We all get along internationally, so you never want to see anyone go down.”
Bobsledding can see speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, underscoring the risks athletes face during competition. Reflecting on the crash, teammate Daniel Bertschler noted a similar incident during training, emphasizing the importance of the timely medical response from the Austrian Olympic Committee doctor who was present.
Though this incident served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in winter sports, the immediate medical care and the resilience of the athletes offer a hopeful outlook on Mandlbauer’s recovery and the team’s future competitions.