Nick Goepper’s gold dream shatters in brutal Olympics freestyle skiing fall

American freestyle skier Nick Goepper’s bid for Olympic gold ended in dramatic fashion after a heavy crash in the men’s freeski halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 35-year-old was in bronze-medal position on Friday when he began his final run in Livigno, attempting to boost his score and challenge for the top spot. He landed his earlier tricks cleanly but fell hard on his fifth and final jump after failing to get enough height.

Goepper remained on the snow for several minutes as medical staff attended to him, raising concern among spectators. He later stood up, gave a thumbs-up and walked away under his own power.

The crash proved costly. Canada’s Brendan MacKay improved his score to push the American off the podium and into fourth place.

There was still success for Team USA, with teammate Alex Ferreira winning gold in the event.

According to the broadcast, Goepper had attempted a trick that had never previously been landed in competition.

The American entered the Milan Games with three Olympic medals from Sochi, Pyeongchang and Beijing but was still chasing his first gold.

“I have no regrets,” Goepper appeared to say as he left the course.