Australian Snowboarder Cam Bolton Out of 2026 Olympics

Australian snowboarder Cam Bolton suffered two neck fractures during a training session in Livigno, Italy, on Monday, ending his participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics just days before the event's start.

The 35-year-old, preparing for his fourth Olympic appearance in the snowboard cross discipline, fell heavily while practicing but initially walked away without apparent injury. The following day, Bolton reported worsening neck pain, prompting medical scans that confirmed the stable fractures. He was airlifted by helicopter from the mountain to a hospital in Milan for further imaging and treatment, according to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Bolton, who had been scheduled to compete in the men's seeding round on Thursday and the mixed team event, has been replaced under the late athlete replacement protocol. Olympic debutant James Johnstone will now join Adam Lambert and Jarryd Hughes in the men's competition.

Alisa Camplin-Warner, Australia's chef de mission for the Milano Cortina Games, said Bolton was in good spirits and had been joined by his wife, Grace, during his recovery. "Cam wanted to make sure his teammates understood what was happening and that he was fine and...