Elias Lajunen suffers devastating crash during Olympics big air qualifying

Finnish teenage skier Elias Lajunen suffered a devastating crash during men’s big air qualifying at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The 18-year-old failed to land his jump cleanly and stayed motionless on the icy surface. Medical professionals rushed to his aid as the crowd held its breath, though he gave a thumbs-up signal to spectators, signaling he remained conscious.

Terrifying Moment on the Slopes

Lajunen attempted an ambitious trick during his first run in big air qualifying, one of freestyle skiing’s most dangerous disciplines. The Finnish competitor launched from the massive jump but struggled to maintain control mid-rotation. Landing went wrong catastrophically, with the skier crashing hard on his back and sliding down the slope.

Medical staff responded instantly, rushing from their positions around the slope to assess the teenager’s condition. Spectators watched anxiously as emergency personnel attended to Lajunen for several minutes. The young skier eventually gave a reassuring signal, helping ease concerns in the stands about the severity of his injuries.

What Happened During Qualifying

Big air qualifying uses a best-two-of-three format where each competitor gets three runs, with only their top two scores combined for the overall qualifying result. Twenty-nine competitors are vying for just twelve spots in the Olympic final. Lajunen’s crash occurred during his first attempt, which counts as one of his critical scoring opportunities.

The Livigno Snow Park hosted the men’s freestyle skiing big air qualification on Sunday, with multiple countries represented. Each athlete attempts high-difficulty tricks involving backflips, twists, and multiple rotations while launching 90 feet into the air. A single miscalculation, whether on takeoff or landing, can result in devastating impacts.

Big Air Qualifying Details

Factor	Details
Event Format	Best-two-of-three runs (top two scores combined)
Total Competitors	29 skiers competing for 12 final spots
Location	Livigno Snow Park, Livigno, Italy
Jump Height	Approximately 90 feet high

“Medical professionals and staff rushed immediately to help the youngster. While the crowd held its breath, Lajunen gave a thumbs-up to the spectators.”

— Newsweek Sports, Coverage of the incident

Recovery and Return Prospects

Immediate reaction from medical staff was crucial in stabilizing the teenager after impact. Winter Olympic events feature robust medical protocols due to the inherent risks of freestyle skiing disciplines. Lajunen’s thumbs-up gesture indicated he remained alert despite the violent nature of the crash.

Qualifying runs continue for other competitors in the big air event, with the final competition scheduled for upcoming days at the Milano-Cortina Games. Whether Lajunen will continue competing in subsequent rounds depends on his medical evaluation and injury assessment by Olympic medical teams.

What Makes Big Air So Dangerous?

Freeski big air combines extreme height with complex aerial maneuvers, creating inherent hazards. Athletes launch from ninety-foot jumps while attempting tricks requiring two, three, or even four complete rotations. Landing must be precisely executed on a steep downslope, or skiers face violent crashes at high impact forces.

The sport’s difficulty shows in crash frequency, with medics stationed continuously throughout qualifying and finals. Young athletes like Lajunen push boundaries to advance their careers, sometimes accepting risks that lead to serious incidents. His coach and support team are likely evaluating whether he can safely complete remaining rounds.

Will Elias Lajunen Compete in the Big Air Final?

Olympic rules allow athletes time to recover and receive medical clearance before competing further. Lajunen’s physical condition will be assessed by Olympic medical officials before decisions are made. The qualifying format permits him two additional runs to improve his score, assuming he is cleared medically.

Fans expressed overwhelming support across social media platforms after the incident, with many hoping for Lajunen’s speedy recovery. The resilience of freestyle skiers is legendary, but safety protocols exist to prevent further harm to athletes injured during competition.

Sources

• Newsweek Sports – Coverage of Finnish teenager Elias Lajunen’s horrific crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics
• USA Today – Live updates from Winter Olympics day nine with details of the big air qualifying incident
• The Spun – Eyewitness accounts and fan reactions following Lajunen’s terrifying crash during qualifying