Australian Snowboarder Cameron Bolton Airlifted to Hospital After Breaking Neck

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Australian snowboard cross specialist Cameron Bolton was airlifted to a hospital in Milan after suffering a serious neck injury during training ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, ending his Games campaign before it began.

The 35-year-old, preparing for what would have been his fourth Olympic appearance, fell heavily during a snowboard cross practice session on Monday at Livigno. Although he initially seemed uninjured, Bolton reported worsening neck pain the following day.

A CT scan at the Olympic Polyclinic revealed two stable fractures in his neck, and he was transported by helicopter to a Milan hospital for further imaging and assessment, according to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Bolton in Good Spirits as Olympic Dreams End

Australia’s chef de mission, Alisa Camplin-Warner, said Bolton was in good spirits despite the seriousness of the injury and was being well looked after with support from medical staff and his wife. “Cam wanted to make sure his teammates understood what was happening and that he was fine and doing well,” Camplin-Warner said.

The injury abruptly ends Bolton’s bid for Olympic success in Italy. A seasoned competitor on the World Cup circuit, he took silver in the mixed team snowboard cross at last year’s world championships alongside Mia Clift.

Bolton’s withdrawal has triggered the Australian Olympic Committee’s Late Athlete Replacement option, with Olympic debutant James Johnstone named to join Adam Lambert and Jarryd Hughes for the men’s snowboard cross on Thursday.

Training injuries have hit the Australian team hard at these Games, with snowboard halfpipe athlete Misaki Vaughan also ruled out after a head injury sustained at training.