Milan, Italy – Finnish freestyle skier Elias Lajunen, 18, sustained a significant fall during the qualification round of the men’s considerable air competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, sparking concern among fans and prompting a swift medical response. Lajunen was able to signal he was conscious by giving a thumbs-up as he was carried off on a stretcher, according to reports and images circulating on social media.
The incident occurred as Lajunen attempted a complex aerial maneuver after launching off the large big air ramp at Livigno Snow Park. He lost control during his final rotation and landed heavily on his side, tumbling onto the icy surface, as detailed in reports from Sporting News and Newsweek. Medical personnel immediately rushed to his aid.
Initial assessments indicated Lajunen was conscious and had movement in all limbs, the Finnish Olympic Committee reported shortly after the fall. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and remained under observation overnight, according to the committee. Later Sunday evening, the committee announced that further examinations revealed no alarming findings.
Lajunen’s accident underscores the inherent risks associated with big air skiing, a discipline characterized by massive jumps and technically demanding tricks. Competitors launch themselves off a steep incline, performing rotations and grabs before attempting to land cleanly. The sport has gained prominence for its spectacular visuals but likewise for the potential for serious injury, as highlighted by the incident.
The son of Samppa Lajunen, a three-time Olympic champion in Nordic combined skiing, Elias Lajunen had been gaining recognition as a rising star in the freestyle skiing world. He finished 31st in the men’s freeski slopestyle competition at the 2025 World Championships and 32nd in the big air discipline at the same event, according to Newsweek. He also competed in the slopestyle event at the current Olympics.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, Lajunen’s visible signal of reassurance to the crowd offered a moment of relief. The incident has already ignited discussions regarding athlete safety and the pressures faced by young competitors in extreme sports.
Fellow Finnish skiers Elias Syrjä and Kuura Koivisto also competed in the big air qualification round on Sunday, but none of the Finnish athletes advanced to the final competition, as reported by Finnish media sources.
The extent of any potential injuries and Lajunen’s long-term prognosis remain unclear as of Sunday evening. Further updates on his condition are expected in the coming days.
