Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu confirmed free of spinal injury after crash in Olympic women's halfpipe
Xinhua
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LIVIGNO, Italy, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu has been confirmed to have no spinal abnormalities following medical examinations after she was injured during the women's snowboard halfpipe qualification at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics here on Wednesday.

Liu Jiayu of China crashes during the women's snowboard halfpipe qualification at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Liu, 33, silver medalist in the event at PyeongChang 2018 and a five-time Olympian, crashed heavily head-first onto the snow during her second run of the qualification. She remained on the ground for some time before being taken away from the venue on a sled.

An initial assessment at the venue showed that Liu was conscious. She was later transported by ambulance to a medical facility for further examination.

The Chinese snowboard team manager, who accompanied her to the hospital, said imaging results indicated no abnormalities in her spine. The athlete remains conscious and has received treatment for a head injury.