Liu Jiayu stretchered off after Olympic halfpipe crash; scans show no spinal injury

Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu was taken from the women’s halfpipe on a sled after a frightening crash during qualification on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 (ET), in Livigno, Italy. Initial evaluations found her conscious, and subsequent imaging revealed no spinal abnormalities. Team staff said she is receiving treatment for a head injury while her condition continues to be monitored.

The crash in Livigno

On her second qualifying run, Liu caught an edge on her final hit, lost balance, and tumbled through the flat bottom of the pipe, making heavy head-first contact with the snow before somersaulting to a stop. The 33-year-old, a five-time Olympian and silver medalist in the event at PyeongChang 2018, had been pushing to reach the final. She stood 13th at the time and needed to climb one position to secure a spot in the medal round, underscoring the fine margins at play in a high-stakes qualifier.

Swift medical response and lengthy pause

Emergency personnel reached Liu within seconds and stabilized her as competition came to a halt. She remained on the snow for an extended period while responders carefully immobilized her for transport. After roughly 15 minutes of on-site care, she was secured onto an emergency sled and moved out of the venue for further evaluation. The incident cast a hush over the crowd and field, a sobering reminder of the risks athletes manage in pursuit of progression and precision in the halfpipe.

Hospital findings: no spinal abnormalities, head injury monitored

An initial on-venue assessment indicated Liu was conscious before she was transported by ambulance for comprehensive testing. Imaging showed no abnormalities in her spine, easing immediate concerns about a cervical or thoracic injury. Team medical staff and management confirmed she remains conscious and is being treated for a head injury. Additional monitoring and neurological checks are expected as doctors evaluate symptoms and determine next steps. No timetable has been set for further updates, and her competitive status remains undetermined.

Veteran contender with Olympic pedigree

Liu’s presence in Livigno reflects a dozen years at the top of her sport. A silver medalist in 2018 and now competing at 33, she entered qualification with the experience and technical base to challenge for a final berth. The second run represented a decisive moment after an opening attempt left her outside the bubble. Her ability to maintain amplitude and control on the final hit—where riders often carry peak speed—was central to her push, and that final switch from edge to landing is where her balance appeared to go.

Halfpipe risk and the stakes of progression

Even with helmets and enhanced venue protocols, halfpipe runs concentrate speed, airtime, and rotation into a confined space, raising the risk profile when a landing goes wrong. Head and neck impacts remain the most serious concern in these crashes. The sport has endured difficult reminders over the years, including the death of freestyle skier Sarah Burke after a training accident and a career-altering brain injury for Kevin Pearce while preparing for a prior Games. Medical teams now stage comprehensive on-site responses, and competitions adopt hold-and-clear procedures to ensure athletes receive immediate, controlled care before any restart.

What comes next

Liu’s medical team will continue to evaluate her condition, with a particular focus on concussion protocols and symptom tracking in the hours and days ahead. Any decision on returning to competition will depend on clinical findings and how she responds to treatment. For now, the priority is rest and recovery. Event organizers and the Chinese team are expected to provide further updates once evaluations are complete. As qualification resumes its course and the final approaches, the focus across the halfpipe community remains on Liu’s health and a safe, steady recovery.

Sources consulted: Yahoo Sports, Xinhua, USA Today