The bobsleigh competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo was notably affected by the serious injury of Austrian athlete Jakob Mandlbauer, who fell during his second run while competing in the four-man bobsleigh event. Mandlbauer, alongside his team members Daniel Bertschler, Sebastian Mitterer, and Daiyehan Nichols-Bardi, tipped over and slid down almost half of the track. The incident raised concerns regarding safety measures in the sport, especially in the high-speed environment of Olympic competitions.

Following the accident, Mandlbauer was transported via stretcher to a nearby clinic for medical evaluation and treatment, emphasizing the risks that athletes face in extreme winter sports. Reports indicated that the team remained supportive despite the distressing situation, as they are likely to be affected not only by this incident but also by the pressure of performing at the Olympic level following such a traumatic event.

Additionally, the live blog covering the Olympics noted that the event continued to be marked by other developments, including news about former President Trump and ski cross implications for German athletes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictabilities inherent in the Winter Olympics, heightening the focus on athlete safety and the protocols in place during competitions.