LIVIGNO, Italy – A Canadian freestyle skiing star’s quest for a third Olympic medal came to an abrupt end after a devastating crash left her unable to compete in Saturday’s women’s halfpipe championship round at the Milano Cortina Games.
Cassie Sharpe, 33, was positioned well for the finals after an impressive first qualifying run on Thursday that placed her in third position. But disaster struck during her second attempt down the halfpipe in Livigno, where she took a hard fall and required stretcher assistance to leave the course.
Canadian Olympic officials confirmed Sharpe spent a short time in a local hospital as a precautionary measure before returning to where athletes are staying. Team Canada has not released specific information about the nature or severity of her injuries.
“She has unfortunately not been cleared by (the Canadian Olympic Committee) and Freestyle Canada medical staff to participate in finals tonight,” a Team Canada statement said.
“We are sending Cassie and her family well wishes and she is grateful for all of the support.”
The veteran athlete previously captured Olympic gold in 2018 and earned silver four years later in 2022, making this setback particularly disappointing as she sought to add another medal to her collection.
