Olympic Skier Cassie Sharpe Injured
Olympic halfpipe skier Cassie Sharpe suffered a head injury during qualification and withdrew from the finals [https://www.freeskier.com/down-but-not-out-cassie-sharpes-olympic-injury-update]. She remains optimistic about her recovery and plans to continue her season.
Sharpe's injury occurred on her second qualifying run when she attempted a 1080, but landed awkwardly, causing her head to hit the icy wall of the halfpipe. The impact cracked her helmet, and she was briefly knocked unconscious. After being stabilized, Sharpe was taken off the halfpipe on a stretcher, and waved to the crowd to show she was conscious. She was then transported to a hospital where she stayed for two days while undergoing tests. The Canadian Olympic Committee stated that Sharpe was released from the hospital and is back in the Athlete Village. However, she was not medically cleared to participate in the finals due to a concussion, facial contusion, and lingering dizziness. Sharpe said it was not safe for her to ski. Sharpe had qualified third for the finals after her first run. She expressed disappointment at not being able to compete, as she was aiming for her third Olympic medal. Despite the injury, Sharpe hopes to compete at the Snow League event in Laax, Switzerland, later in March. She is working with therapists to recover.
