Livigno, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina have already been marked by dramatic moments, and Friday brought another as Kiwi freeskier Fin Melville Ives suffered a serious crash during the men’s freeski halfpipe qualifications. The 19-year-ancient, considered a gold medal favorite and the reigning world champion, was stretchered off the course after a hard fall, leaving teammates and onlookers deeply concerned. The incident underscores the inherent risks of the sport and has cast a shadow over the early days of the Games.
The fall occurred during Ives’ second run as he attempted a challenging trick, according to reports. He landed heavily, remaining motionless for several minutes before medical staff intervened. The scene was described as harrowing, with teammates visibly distraught as he was transported off the mountain for evaluation. The incident brought a temporary halt to the competition as officials and medical personnel attended to the injured athlete. This event involving Fin Melville Ives highlights the precarious balance between athletic ambition and physical safety at the highest level of competition.
Ives Conscious and Stable, Mother Reports Broken Collarbone
While the initial moments following the crash were filled with anxiety, updates have provided some reassurance. Ives’ mother, Karen, told 1News that her son was conscious and, thankfully, his head was okay after the incident. However, she confirmed he sustained a broken collarbone and, understandably, a “bit of a broken heart” following the setback. This news offers a measure of relief amidst the initial shock, but the injury will undoubtedly impact his participation in the remainder of the Games.
Coach Tom Willmott echoed the sentiment of cautious optimism, stating that Ives was receiving comprehensive medical attention. “Our team doctor’s with him, his mum’s with him, and he’s doing okay,” Willmott said. “He’s, he was knocked out, but he’s conscious right now, he’s talking, and he’s doing okay. He’s getting full checks, scans, X-rays, all the rest of it, just to fully rule anything out. But yeah, I can let you recognize he’s doing okay.” The thoroughness of the medical evaluation reflects the seriousness of the impact and the commitment to ensuring Ives’ full recovery.
Teammate Dedicates Run, Ferreira Claims Gold
The impact of Ives’ injury resonated throughout the Novel Zealand team and the wider freeski community. Fellow Kiwi Ben Harrington dedicated his second qualifying run to his injured teammate, finishing in ninth place. “My biggest goal was just to reach out and land some runs,” Harrington said, adding that he had recently recovered from knee surgery, making his own participation a significant achievement. “I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to secure back here but we did it.” This gesture of solidarity underscores the strong bonds within the team and the shared commitment to supporting one another.
Despite the somber mood surrounding Ives’ injury, the competition continued, with American Alex Ferreira ultimately claiming the gold medal in the men’s freeski halfpipe final with a score of 93.75. Estonia’s Henry Sildaru (93.00) and Canada’s Brendan Mackay (91.00) rounded out the podium. While Ferreira’s victory was a testament to his skill and dedication, the shadow of Ives’ injury lingered over the event.
New Zealand’s Olympic Medal Count
New Zealand has already secured three medals at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott made history on Thursday, earning a silver medal in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event and becoming the most decorated Olympic snowboarder ever. Luca Harrington previously brought home a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle. These successes provide a bright spot for the New Zealand team, even as they grapple with the unfortunate injury to Fin Melville Ives.
Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold, likewise representing New Zealand, did not qualify for the final, finishing 14th and 15th respectively. The team’s overall performance reflects the dedication and talent of New Zealand’s winter athletes, but the focus remains on the well-being of Fin Melville Ives as he begins his recovery.
The coming days will be crucial as medical staff continue to assess Ives’ condition and determine the extent of his recovery timeline. While his participation in the remainder of the Milan Cortina Games is unlikely, the outpouring of support from teammates, family, and the broader sporting community will undoubtedly aid his healing process. Updates on his condition will be provided as they become available through official team channels.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in extreme sports and the importance of prioritizing athlete safety. As the Olympics continue, the focus will remain on celebrating athletic achievement while ensuring the well-being of all participants.
We wish Fin Melville Ives a swift and full recovery and will continue to follow his progress. Share your thoughts and well wishes for Fin in the comments below.
