Lee Seung-hoon from Ski Halfpipe Fails to Compete in Finals Due to Injury
Korean skier Lee Seung-hoon advanced to the finals of the Olympic ski halfpipe but was unable to compete due to an injury sustained during practice.
Korean freestyle skier Lee Seung-hoon made history by qualifying for the finals of the men's halfpipe event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo after scoring 76 points in the qualifiers, placing him 10th among 25 competitors. Unfortunately, just before the finals, he suffered a knee injury due to a fall while practicing, preventing him from participating in the final round despite initially hoping to compete after assessing his condition following practice runs.
Lee Seung-hoon's achievement in reaching the finals marked a significant milestone for Korean skiing, especially after he became the first Korean freestyle skier to earn a medal (bronze) at a World Cup event in Calgary in February 2024 and secured a gold medal in men's halfpipe at the Harbin Winter Asian Games last February. His advancement into the finals demonstrated the growing prominence of freestyle skiing in Korea, although his injury ultimately prevented him from showcasing his skills on the Olympic stage.
Additionally, fellow competitor Moon Hee-sung, who also competed in the qualifiers, did not qualify for the finals, finishing in 22nd place. Lee's injury and subsequent withdrawal is a disappointing turn of events for the team and fans hoping for a strong performance at the Olympics, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports where injuries can drastically alter expected outcomes.