Finley Melville Ives 'stable and positive' after halfpipe crash at Milan-Cortina Olympics

Finley Melville Ives is "stable and positive" after a hard fall during men's freeski halfpipe qualifying at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, New Zealand's Olympic Team said. The 19-year-old world champion crumpled to the snow at Livigno Snow Park after an aerial trick, lost his skis and slid down part of the halfpipe on his back.

Finley Melville Ives taken from Livigno on a sled

The world number one appeared in distress as medical personnel moved quickly to his aid at Livigno Snow Park, and spectators fell silent as he was treated. The competition was suspended for more than five minutes while he received care and was then taken away on a sled for further assessment.

Earlier incidents and the field for the final

This was the second serious incident in two days in freestyle skiing after Cassie Sharpe's fall during the women's halfpipe qualifying on Thursday; the 33-year-old Canadian, Olympic champion in 2018 and silver medallist four years ago, lay motionless for several minutes before waving to the crowd as she was carried off on a stretcher. In the men's qualifiers, Canada's Brendan Mackay topped the field with a score of 92. 75, ahead of US freeskier Nick Goepper (90. 00).

Team update and what comes next

New Zealand's Olympic Team later shared an update on Instagram: "For those asking, Fin is with his family and being assessed by medical professionals, " it said. "He is stable and positive. Thanks for the love. " The men's 12-man final takes place later Friday.