Winter Olympics 2026: Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu stretchered off after fall
(JEFF PACHOUD via Getty Images)
LIVIGNO, Italy — Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu was taken out of the halfpipe by medical personnel Wednesday after a dangerous crash near the end of women’s qualifying.
It appeared Liu, on the final trick of her second run, landed on the edge of her snowboard and lost her balance, tumbling head-first into the bottom of the pipe. Liu then flipped over and did not appear to be moving as she came to a stop on her back. Emergency medical personnel immediately surrounded Liu and it took roughly 15 minutes before they could load her onto a sled.
According to Xinhua Sports, medical staff said it’s “unlikely” Liu suffered a spine injury.
Though all riders wear helmets in competition, halfpipe crashes can become dangerous, particularly when there is an impact to the head and neck.
Sarah Burke, a world champion freestyle skier, died as a result of injuries sustained on a halfpipe in Utah. Kevin Pearce suffered significant brain injuries while preparing for the 2010 Olympics.
