Australian snowboarder Cameron Bolton fractured his neck in two places in a crash during a training run Monday for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
The 35-year-old athlete, who was training for Thursday’s snowboard cross event, initially walked away from the crash — but woke up with severe pain in his neck the following day, according to multiple reports.
Medical scans revealed two fractures in Bolton’s neck and he was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter with a team official for further treatment on Tuesday, per ESPN.
Alisa Camplin-Warner — the team’s Chef de Mission for Milano Cortina 2026 — said Bolton, who was competing in his fourth Winter Olympics, was “doing well” and was joined by his wife, Grace.
“Cam wanted to make his teammates understood what was happening and that he was fine and doing well and being looked after well,” Camplin said.
“He knows how seriously we’re taking the process of support around him and the communication has been really good. I’m proud of the level of care.”
“Cam is in a stable condition and remains in good spirits,” the AOC said in a statement on Wednesday. “The Australian Olympic medical team is working with local doctors and neuro specialists in Australia to determine next steps for further assessment and treatment.”
Bolton is replaced by James Johnstone, who will make his Olympic debut alongside Adam Lambert and Jarryd Hughes, for qualifying on Thursday, with the main event taking place later that day in Livigno.
Bolton was also set to compete in the snowboard cross mixed team event.
He was the highest-placed Australian men’s snowboard cross rider in Beijing in 13th place.
