Australian Snowboarding Star Airlifted After Breaking Neck in Training Fall
Australian snowboarding star Cam Bolton’s aspirations for the 2026 Winter Olympics have come to an abrupt end due to a serious injury. The 35-year-old athlete suffered a broken neck in a training accident during a session on Monday evening.
Training Incident Details
Bolton was treated promptly by the medical staff of the Australian snowboarding team. However, it wasn’t until the following day that he underwent a CT scan after expressing neck pain. The scan revealed two fractures in his neck, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the upcoming snowboard cross event scheduled for Thursday.
Emergency Medical Response
Following the injury, Bolton was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Milan for further assessment and treatment. The severity of his condition emphasizes the risks associated with competitive snowboarding.
Impact on Australian Team
Bolton’s injury is not an isolated incident. Another Australian snowboarder, Misaki Vaughan, also had to withdraw from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games after sustaining a head injury in training. Her failure to pass a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) contributed to her exit from the competition.
Statement from Team Leadership
Australian chef de mission Alisa Camplin expressed her disappointment regarding the situation. “Today was a hard day because we had to inform two athletes that they wouldn’t be progressing further through the Games,” she stated. “That’s always a difficult conversation, but at the end of the day, health is the most important thing.”
- Athlete: Cam Bolton
- Age: 35
- Injury: Broken neck (two fractures)
- Date of Incident: Monday (AEDT)
- Event: Snowboard Cross, Milano Cortina 2026
- Status: Withdrawn from competition
This unfortunate series of events highlights the dangers athletes face while training for high-stakes competitions like the Winter Olympics. The Australian team remains focused on the health and recovery of their athletes as they look to the future.
