Snowboarding fans around the globe were left holding their breath Wednesday in Livigno, Italy, as Chinese halfpipe veteran Liu Jiayu suffered a terrifying crash during the Olympic women’s halfpipe qualifying round. The incident, which unfolded near the end of the qualifying session on February 11, 2026, brought the action to an abrupt halt and cast a pall over what had been an electrifying day on the slopes.
Liu, a 33-year-old mainstay of the Chinese snowboarding team and a former Olympic medalist, was attempting to seal her second and final qualifying run with a high-risk 900-degree spin—a move that, if landed cleanly, would have showcased her trademark technical prowess. But as she came down from the dizzying aerial maneuver, disaster struck. Liu’s snowboard caught an edge as it hit the transition part of the pipe, and in an instant, she was pitched violently forward, slamming her left arm and shoulder, face, and stomach onto the icy surface. Her legs and board snapped over her back in a movement that snowboarders grimly refer to as a “Scorpion.”
Eyewitnesses described the moment as harrowing. Liu tumbled head-first into the bottom of the pipe, flipping over before coming to a stop on her back. For a few agonizing moments, she appeared motionless. The gravity of the situation was immediately clear—emergency medical personnel raced onto the course, surrounding Liu as the crowd fell silent. The event was paused for nearly 15 minutes as medics worked carefully to assess her injuries and prepare her for transport.
Liu was eventually loaded onto a sled and carried off the course on a stretcher, her fate uncertain. The Chinese team did not provide an immediate update on her condition, leaving fans and fellow athletes anxiously awaiting word on her health. Social media quickly filled with messages of support and concern, with many recalling Liu’s resilience and long history of pushing the boundaries in women’s snowboarding.
According to a statement later provided by medical staff to Xinhua Sports, it was “unlikely” that Liu suffered a cervical spine injury—a small but significant relief given the violence of the fall. Instead, the injury was believed to be related to head impact. All competitors wore helmets, as is standard in halfpipe events, but the risk of serious injury remains ever-present in this high-flying discipline. “Though all riders wear helmets in competition, halfpipe crashes can become dangerous, particularly when there is an impact to the head and neck,” noted a spokesperson for the event, referencing the tragic and cautionary history of the sport.
Indeed, the dangers of halfpipe competition are no secret. The sport has seen its share of devastating injuries—most notably, world champion freestyle skier Sarah Burke, who lost her life after a halfpipe accident in Utah, and snowboarder Kevin Pearce, whose career was cut short by significant brain injuries sustained while preparing for the 2010 Olympics. Their stories serve as stark reminders of the razor-thin line between triumph and tragedy in snow sports.
Liu Jiayu is no stranger to adversity. Over the years, she has built a reputation as one of China’s most accomplished snowboarders, earning respect for her technical skill and fearless approach. Her career highlights include multiple World Cup podiums and a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics—a breakthrough moment for Chinese snowboarding. In the lead-up to Milano-Cortina 2026, Liu was viewed as a key contender, blending veteran experience with a hunger for one more shot at Olympic glory.
Her crash in Livigno, however, has cast doubt on her immediate future in the sport. As of press time, there was still no official word from the Chinese team regarding the full extent of her injuries or her prospects for recovery. The incident has sparked conversations throughout the snowboarding community about athlete safety, course design, and the relentless drive for progression that defines modern halfpipe competition.
Meanwhile, the competition itself pressed on, albeit under a cloud of concern. American superstar Chloe Kim, widely regarded as the face of women’s halfpipe snowboarding, finished first in qualifying and secured her spot in Thursday night’s final. Kim, whose dazzling runs have set new standards for amplitude and style, appeared shaken by the events but remained focused on the task at hand. “It’s always tough to see a fellow competitor go down like that,” Kim said after her run, according to event organizers. “We’re all hoping Liu is okay. She’s an inspiration to so many of us.”
The rest of the field also showed remarkable composure in the face of adversity, with several riders opting for more conservative approaches in the wake of Liu’s crash. The qualifying session, initially filled with excitement and anticipation, became a test of mental fortitude as much as physical skill. Coaches and team officials could be seen huddling with athletes, emphasizing the importance of safety and reminding them that, above all, their well-being comes first.
For the fans in Livigno and those watching around the world, the incident was a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in Olympic snowboarding. The halfpipe, with its towering walls and unforgiving transitions, demands perfection—and even the most experienced riders are not immune to its dangers. As the sport continues to evolve, questions about how to balance progression with safety will only grow louder.
Yet, amid the uncertainty, the snowboarding community has rallied around Liu Jiayu. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #PrayForLiu and #GetWellSoonLiu trending across platforms. Teammates, rivals, and fans alike have expressed their admiration for her courage and their hopes for her swift recovery. “Liu Jiayu is one of the toughest competitors out there,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re all pulling for her.”
As the Olympic halfpipe final approaches, all eyes remain on both the competition and the latest updates from the Chinese team. Chloe Kim and the rest of the field will take to the pipe Thursday night, but the shadow of Liu’s fall will undoubtedly linger. For now, the snowboarding world waits—and hopes—for good news from Livigno.
One thing is certain: Liu Jiayu’s spirit, determination, and impact on the sport will not be forgotten, regardless of what comes next. The Olympic community stands united in wishing her a full and speedy recovery.