Canadian freestyle skiing champion Cassie Sharpe will not compete in the women's freeski halfpipe finals at the Milan-Cortina Games after failing to receive medical clearance following a significant crash earlier this week.
Medical Withdrawal After Qualification Incident
The 33-year-old Olympian sustained a bad fall during her second run in the women's halfpipe qualification event on Thursday in Livigno. Medical personnel escorted Sharpe off the slope in a sled after the incident, though she remained conscious and waved to spectators as she departed.
Hospital Stay and Recovery
Following the crash, Sharpe underwent what was described as a "brief precautionary stay" at a local hospital. She has since been released and returned to the athletes' village. However, medical staff from both the Canadian Olympic Committee and Freestyle Canada determined she was not fit to participate in Saturday's finals.
The Canadian Olympic Committee issued a statement confirming that Sharpe would not compete, noting that "medical staff did not clear her to participate in the finals." The organization added, "We are sending Cassie and her family well wishes and she is grateful for all of the support."
Qualification Performance and Olympic History
Prior to her crash, Sharpe had demonstrated strong form during qualifications. In her first run, she ranked third overall, securing her position among the top twelve athletes who would advance to Saturday's finals.
Sharpe boasts an impressive Olympic record in the halfpipe event, having won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and silver at the 2022 Beijing Games. Her withdrawal represents a significant loss for Canada's freestyle skiing team at the Milan-Cortina competition.
Impact on Competition
The absence of the decorated skier alters the competitive landscape for the women's halfpipe finals. Sharpe could not be reached for comment regarding her withdrawal or future competition plans.
The incident highlights the physical risks inherent in freestyle skiing, particularly in halfpipe events where athletes perform complex aerial maneuvers at significant heights. Medical clearance protocols remain crucial for athlete safety in such high-impact sports.
