Olympic Skier Suffers Horrific Crash at Winter Games

There have been major crashes thus far at the Winter Olympic Games, but Sunday’s men’s big air skiing qualifier might have had the worst one yet in Milan, Italy.

Finland’s Elias Lajunen is only 18 years old and participating in his first Olympic Games. Only recently turning professional, he had his big breakout in 2025, racking up some notable achievements at large-scale global events.

At the 2025 World Championships, he finished 31st in the men’s freeski slopestyle competition. In the big air discipline, the qualifier he was trying to pass on Sunday at the Olympics, Lajunen finished 32nd at Worlds.

More news: Olympic Skier’s Games Over After Brutal Training Accident

More news: Olympic Moment Goes Viral After Hockey Player Drinks Soda During Play

As he went down the hill on Sunday during the qualifying round, the commentators noted that the Finnish teenager was one of the bright debutantes at the event.

Lajunen flew through the airdoing a multitude of spins before attempting to land on the snow. Unfortunately for the rookie, he never fully revolved on his final revolution and landed hard on his side, tumbling onto the nighttime ice.

Medical professionals and staff immediately rushed to help the youngster.

While the crowd held his breath, Lajunen gave a thumbs-up to the medics who helped him off the ice, fully conscious after the brutal fall.

We will keep you updated if there are any further updates on Lajunen’s condition.