Winter Olympic star immobile after horrific fall as medics rushed to terrifying crash
A Winter Olympic snowboarder was left motionless after a horrific crash during the halfpipe qualifiers, with medical personnel rushing to her aid as the event was halted
Medics rushed to treat Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu after a horror Winter Olympics crash(Image: David Ramos, Getty Images)
Snowboarder Liu Jiayu remained motionless following a devastating crash during the women’s halfpipe qualifiers at the Winter Olympics.
The 33-year-old was midway through her second run in Valtellina when catastrophe struck. The Chinese athlete seemed to misjudge her third manoeuvre, sending her off-balance. As a result, she caught the edge of her board in the snow, launching her forward.
Horrified onlookers witnessed Liu seemingly landing on her neck at tremendous velocity. Medical staff immediately rushed to assist the Winter Olympian and the qualifying competition was suspended whilst she received care.
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BBC commentators reacted to the incident during their live broadcast after they had anticipated Liu would secure a top-five finish but gasped as the snowboarder took the fall.
Commentator Ed Leigh said: “Oh! That was a really bad toe-edge catch there. You are travelling at 30-40 km an hour, you catch the edge and it stops you dead.
“She was so ragged on the penultimate hit there, clipping the top. She was forcing it so hard, she knew she needed that run.
“The best medical attention coming out straight away. The medics are out at the bottom of the pipe. As soon as we have any news on her condition we will bring that to you. Oh, it’s such a shame.”
In a follow-up on her condition, a BBC commentator said: “As you can see, she’s in the best possible hands with the on-site medical team. Fingers crossed she’s okay. Understandable concern from spectators and her fellow competitors. We’ll bring you an update as soon as we have it.”
It has since been reported by Chinese outlet Xinhua Sports that Liu’s injury is unlikely to be related to her spine. Instead, they speculated the injury might have resulted from her head hitting the halfpipe.
The accident occurred just days after skiing legend Lindsey Vonn required air ambulance transport from her event in the downhill women’s final on Sunday. The 41-year-old was participating despite carrying an injury but remained determined to secure a medal at the Milan Cortina Games.
