Canadian freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe will miss the Olympic women’s halfpipe final on Saturday due to a serious fall during the qualification round on Thursday. The 33-year-old athlete from Comox, B.C., suffered a fall that led to a loss of consciousness and required her to be taken off the course on a sled.
Despite being out of the hospital and staying in the Athlete Village, Sharpe has not received medical clearance from the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Freestyle Canada to participate in the finals. Sharpe, who previously won halfpipe Olympic gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, had secured a spot among the top 12 finalists before the unfortunate incident.
In an update shared on Instagram, Sharpe disclosed that she was dealing with a severe concussion, facial contusion, and persistent dizziness, which prevented her from safely competing in the final. She expressed disappointment at not being able to continue but emphasized the importance of prioritizing health and well-being over sporting events like the Olympics.
Acknowledging the overwhelming support and love she received during her recovery, Sharpe expressed gratitude and pride in her performance leading up to the final. While she will not be competing, Canada will still be represented by Amy Fraser from Calgary and Rachael Karker from Erin, Ont., who finished seventh and ninth in the qualifying round, respectively.
The incident involving Sharpe’s fall during the freeski halfpipe qualification has drawn attention, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by athletes in high-intensity competitions.