Renārs Grantiņš, a Latvian bobsled pilot, experienced a severe crash during his inaugural training run at the Olympic track in Cortina d'Ampezzo on February 4th, leading to a serious injury. Following the accident, medical assistance was necessary, and he underwent a significant operation, as reported by the Latvian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (LBSF). The unfortunate incident left him with a loss of sensation on the right side of his body, raising concerns about the severity of his injuries, with doctors indicating that he was lucky not to be paralyzed.

Despite the severity of his crash, just a week after the operation, Grantiņš returned to the Olympic village to be with his teammates and even took a moment to capture a photo with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. Grantiņš recalled the accident during the training run, stating that while the error leading to the fall was not major, he was unable to react in time because it was his first run. The incident occurred when his head became trapped outside the bobsled, and he was hit by a strong force during one of the turns, resulting in the injury.

Grantiņš's resilience is commendable as he not only returned to the village so soon after a serious injury but also demonstrated a positive spirit by rejoining his team. This incident highlights the risks faced by athletes in winter sports, particularly in high-speed disciplines like bobsleigh, where a split-second error can lead to severe consequences, underscoring the need for safety measures in training and competition environments.