US Skier’s Olympic Gold Dreams Shattered by Devastating Crash
Nick Goepper’s aspirations for Olympic gold came to a sudden halt during his final run at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The American skier, aged 35, was in third place when he began his last attempt in the men’s halfpipe freestyle skiing competition on February 20, 2026.
Devastating Crash
Goepper started strong, successfully completing his initial jumps. However, on his fifth and final trick, he failed to gain sufficient height. This resulted in a hard landing on the halfpipe ledge, which left him lying on the snow for several minutes.
Medical staff rushed to attend to him, and there were concerns he might need to be transported off the slope on a stretcher. Despite the severity of his crash, Goepper managed to stand up, offering a thumbs-up and a smile as he walked away under his own power.
Tragic Outcome and Opportunistic Rivals
Unfortunately for Goepper, this unfortunate incident allowed Canada’s Brendan MacKay to surpass his score, knocking him off the podium. As a result, Goepper finished out of medal contention.
A Glimmer of Hope for the USA
Despite Goepper’s disappointment, there was a silver lining for the U.S. team. His fellow American skier, Alex Ferreira, clinched the gold medal in the same event, showcasing the strong talent within Team USA.
Goepper’s Olympic Journey
Entering the 2026 Winter Olympics, Goepper aimed to secure his first gold medal. He previously earned three Olympic medals from past Games in Sochi, Pyeongchang, and Beijing, but none were gold.
The trick he attempted during his final run was reportedly unprecedented in competitive skiing, highlighting the risk he took in pursuit of Olympic glory. After the competition, Goepper conveyed a positive outlook, stating, “I have no regrets,” as he left the mountain.
