Australian snowboarder Cam Bolton, 35, has broken his neck in a training crash just days before he was due to compete at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. He was practicing for the snowboard cross event in Livigno, Italy on 9 February 2026 when he fell hard during a training run.
Emergency medical scans revealed he suffered fractures in two places in his neck. Because of the severity of the injury, Bolton has now withdrawn from the Olympic competition.
Airlifted to Hospital & Current Condition
After initially walking away from the crash, Bolton woke up the next day with worsening neck pain. A helicopter airlifted him from the mountains to a hospital in Milan for urgent medical care. Team officials, including Australia’s Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin-Warner, have said that Bolton is in stable condition and doing well under medical supervision. He is reported to be in good spirits despite the serious injury.
Olympic Campaign Comes to an End
Bolton’s injury means his journey at these Games has come to an end before competition began. He was expected to participate in:
- Men’s snowboard cross
- Mixed team snowboard cross
But he will no longer race, and Olympic debutant James Johnstone has been confirmed as his replacement in the men’s snowboard cross event.
This would have been Bolton’s fourth Winter Olympics, having previously competed in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Immediate Aftermath and Updates
After the accident, Bolton reported his situation clearly to his teammates, emphasizing he was receiving proper care and was supported by the team. His injury was part of a broader string of setbacks for Australia’s Winter Olympic team, which has seen other athletes ruled out due to training injuries. Despite the seriousness of a neck fracture, medical professionals have described his fractures as stable, which means they are not currently causing worsening instability or neurological damage.
Understanding the Risk in Snowboard Cross
Snowboard cross is one of the most physically demanding and high-risk disciplines in winter sports, involving athletes racing downhill over jumps, banked turns, and tight terrain at high speeds. Crashes and injuries — including broken bones — can occur despite protective gear and safety protocols.
Support and Well-Wishes From the Olympic Community
Following news of Bolton’s injury:
- Fellow athletes, fans, and sports commentators have expressed concern and support for his recovery.
- Officials reiterate that the health and safety of athletes come first, and that Bolton is being cared for by a team of medical professionals.
Medical Outlook and Recovery Process
Doctors treating the snowboarder have described his neck fractures as serious but stable, meaning there is no immediate damage to the spinal cord. This distinction is critical, as spinal injuries can have life-altering consequences if nerves are affected. While surgery has not been confirmed as necessary, the athlete will require strict immobilization, rest, and ongoing medical monitoring. Recovery from a broken neck can take several months, even in cases where neurological function remains intact. Rehabilitation often involves wearing a neck brace, limiting physical activity, and gradually rebuilding strength under specialist supervision. Medical professionals stress that returning to elite competition after such an injury must be approached cautiously, with long-term health taking priority over performance goals.
Emotional Toll of an Olympic Setback
For any athlete, missing the Olympics is emotionally devastating, but for a veteran competitor, the disappointment can be especially heavy. This would have marked his fourth appearance at the Winter Games, the result of years of preparation, sacrifice, and intense physical training. To have that journey end before competition begins is a harsh reality many elite athletes face. Despite the setback, those close to him say he has remained positive and focused on recovery. Teammates and coaches have rallied around him, offering support and emphasizing that his well-being matters far more than medals or rankings. The snowboarder himself has reportedly expressed gratitude for the swift medical response that prevented more serious consequences.
