Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiajia experienced a severe fall on Wednesday during the qualifying competition for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The 33-year-old athlete lost her balance while landing the final element of her second run, fell awkwardly by landing on the edge of her snowboard, performed a somersault, and collided with the ramp. Liu was left motionless on her back, prompting immediate medical attention from the event's medical staff.

Initial reports indicate that Liu Jiajia suffered injuries to her left shoulder and arm. Medical personnel took approximately 15 minutes to stabilize her and transport her on a stretcher to a hospital for further examinations. Liu is a seasoned Olympic competitor, having won a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which adds to the concern surrounding her health following such a critical incident.

Despite the use of helmets by athletes during competitions, snowboard events can be particularly dangerous due to the nature of falls that may involve head or neck impacts. This incident not only raises questions about athlete safety in extreme sports but also highlights the inherent risks involved as athletes strive for qualification in high-stakes competitions like the Winter Olympics.