Australian Teen Ally Hickman Endures Painful Crash in Winter Olympics Snowboard Final
Australian snowboarding sensation Ally Hickman has sustained a bruised sternum following a nasty fall during the women's slopestyle final at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Livigno. Despite the injury, the 16-year-old Sydney schoolgirl demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a seventh-place finish in her Olympic debut.
Dramatic Final Marred by Injury for Hickman
In the final held at Livigno Snow Park, Hickman initially impressed with a score of 67.70 on her first run, placing her fourth among the competitors. However, her second run ended abruptly with a crash that injured her sternum, preventing any improvement in her score. Although cleared to attempt a third run, Hickman suffered another fall at the final jump, exacerbating the injury.
The Australian Olympic team promptly issued a statement confirming Hickman had been taken to the Olympic Village polyclinic for precautionary imaging. Subsequent medical assessments, including x-rays and ultrasound, diagnosed a bruised sternum but ruled out fractures or other abdominal and chest injuries.
Gold Medal Thriller as Fukada Triumphs Over Defending Champion
The event, delayed by 24 hours due to heavy snowfall, culminated in a thrilling final round. New Zealand's defending champion Zoi Sadowski-Synnott delivered a strong performance with a score of 87.48, but was narrowly edged out by Japan's Mari Fukada, who claimed gold with 87.83 points. Another Japanese rider, Kokomo Murase, secured bronze with 85.80 points.
Sadowski-Synnott's achievement marked a historic moment, as she became the most decorated snowboarder in Olympic Winter Games history, amassing five medals: one gold, three silver, and a bronze. Reflecting on her career, she expressed gratitude, noting the challenges of recent injuries and high personal expectations.
Hickman's Solo Australian Representation in Final
Hickman was the sole Australian competitor to advance to the top-12 final, with Beijing bronze medallist Tess Coady failing to qualify. Her performance, despite the painful setback, highlights her potential and determination on the global stage.
This incident underscores the physical risks inherent in high-stakes winter sports, while also celebrating the athletic prowess and competitive spirit displayed by athletes like Hickman and Fukada at the Milan-Cortina Games.
