An Australian Olympic athlete has suffered a severe neck injury just days before he was scheduled to compete in the Winter Games.
Cam Bolton, aged 35, encountered the injury while training in Livigno, Italy, on February 9. The incident occurred as he was preparing for the 2026 Olympics in Milan, as reported by The Independent.
Initially slated to compete in Livigno on February 12, Bolton has now been replaced by James Johnstone.
This event would have marked his fourth appearance at the Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, a setback in his aspirations came when scans revealed two fractures in his neck.
According to ABC, Bolton was airlifted from the mountain to a medical facility in Milan. Despite the situation, Australia’s Chef de Mission for Milano Cortina 2026, Alisa Camplin-Warner, stated that he is ‘doing well’.
Camplin-Warner mentioned, “Cam wanted to make [sure] his teammates understood what was happening and that he was fine and doing well and being looked after well.”
She continued, “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.”
The athlete’s injury was officially confirmed by the Australian Olympic Team in an Instagram post, which included wishes for his speedy recovery.
The post stated: “Our hearts go out to Cam & Misaki. Cameron Bolton (Snowboard Cross) and Misaki Vaughan (Snowboard Halfpipe) have been injured in training and forced to withdraw from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
“We wish them well in their recovery and hope to see them out on course again soon.”
Camplin-Warner further elaborated on the challenges and risks involved in winter sports.
She expressed: “Unfortunately with winter sport injuries happen along the way, in 53 athletes doing relatively high risk sports it’s not something that’s unusual I’m afraid to say.
“My heart breaks on their behalf – I know how much work goes into an Olympic dream.”
In another incident related to the Olympics, Lindsey Vonn was airlifted on February 8 after a crash left her with a ruptured ACL, days prior.
The athlete was heard screaming in pain before being transported to the hospital.