During the qualification rounds for the freestyle skiing events at the Milan and Cortina Olympic Games, New Zealand athlete Finley Melville-Ivess fell and suffered a head injury, leading to his evacuation from the finish area on a stretcher as crowds applauded. The 19-year-old skier had previously won at the 'X Games' this year, but details regarding the severity of his injury are currently unavailable. The qualification rounds are ongoing, with final events scheduled for the same day due to heavy snowfall causing delays in the schedule.

The snowfall has also prompted the postponement of the men's freestyle skiing qualification rounds from Thursday to Friday, complicating the overall timetable of the events. In recent days, both freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions have seen several dangerous falls, raising concerns about the conditions of the courses amid adverse weather. The situation has become increasingly precarious as athletes navigate through challenging environments while striving for Olympic glory.

In a related incident, Canadian freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe, who became an Olympic champion in 2018, also faced a severe fall during the Olympic ramp competitions, highlighting the risks involved in these high-stakes sports. As the Games progress, safety and athlete wellbeing remain paramount, drawing attention to the need for adequate safety measures in adverse weather circumstances and during high-speed competitions.