Mark McMorris Withdraws From Big Air After Scary Training Crash
It was a moment that silenced the training grounds in Livigno. Mark McMorris, one of the most decorated snowboarders in history and a cornerstone of Team Canada, was stretchered off the hill following a severe crash during a practice session for the big air event at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
While the initial scenes were alarming, updates from Team Canada have provided some relief, though questions remain about his return to competition. Here is everything we know about the crash, McMorris’ condition.
The Incident in Livigno
Wednesday night’s training session under the lights in Livigno was meant to be a final tune-up before the big air qualifiers. The scaffolding-based ramp, designed for massive amplitude and technical rotations, demands absolute precision. According to reports, the 32-year-old Canadian suffered a “heavy” crash upon landing, appearing to have impacted his head and neck.
Medical personnel responded immediately, stabilizing McMorris on the snow before transporting him off the course. The sight of an Olympic veteran leaving the venue in such a manner sent shockwaves. Especially through the snowboarding community, with how talented and well-known McMorris is.
He was transported to a local hospital for urgent evaluation. Fortunately, later reports confirmed that he was released from the hospital and is currently recovering in the athletes’ village. McMorris himself took to social media to update his fans, admitting he “hit my head” but indicating he is “doing fine.”
Withdrawal from Big Air
Following medical assessment, the difficult decision was made to pull McMorris from the big air qualifier. This event, scheduled less than 24 hours after the crash, was simply too soon for a safe return.
For a competitor with McMorris’ resume—a 22-time X Games medalist and three-time Olympic bronze medalist—withdrawing is never part of the plan. However, in high-consequence disciplines like big air, attempting to compete immediately after a significant head impact poses severe risks. The priority has shifted entirely to his recovery and monitoring his condition hour-by-hour.
Why This Matters for Team Canada
Mark McMorris is more than just a competitor; he is a flagbearer for the sport. His presence on the start list shapes the entire event. Losing him from the big air competition is a significant blow to Canada’s medal potential in the discipline. Especially if he can’t return to the Olympics and the photos seen all over social media, it doesn’t look good.
This incident also reignites conversations about the sheer danger involved in modern freestyle skiing and snowboarding. This sport is dangerous and athletes put there bodies on the line, doing what they love.
Is Slopestyle Still on the Table?
With big air now off the schedule for McMorris, all eyes are turning to the slopestyle event on February 16. This gives the Canadian star roughly a week and a half to recover.
His history suggests he shouldn’t be counted out. McMorris famously won bronze at the 2018 PyeongChang Games just 11 months after a near-fatal backcountry accident left him with a ruptured spleen, collapsed lung, and multiple fractures. His resilience is legendary, but head injuries require a different, more cautious approach than broken bones.
Team Canada and Canada Snowboard medical staff will continue to monitor him closely. The decision to compete in slopestyle will likely come down to strict concussion protocols and his physical readiness closer to the event date.
What Comes Next?
For now, the snowboarding world waits. The focus is on rest and recovery. The timeline for the slopestyle event provides a window of opportunity, but it is by no means a guarantee.
We can expect further official updates from the Canadian Olympic Committee as his assessment progresses. Until then, McMorris remains in the athletes’ village, resting and regrouping.
