Star Olympian Fredrik Moeller has suffered a terrifying high-speed crash during training ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Norwegian skier lost control on the notorious Stelvio slope in Bormio, necessitating urgent medical attention. Team officials and medics rushed to his aid amid fears of a serious incident.
Panic unfolded as Moeller came down heavily, sending shockwaves through the skiing world. A rescue helicopter was quickly dispatched, and Moeller was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Sondalo for further checks. The official opening training session for Alpine skiing events was subsequently called off.
Moeller’s Condition and Olympic Hopes
The Norwegian team was unable to provide an official update about Moeller’s condition on Thursday morning (AEDT). However, Norwegian Alpine Team media contact Espen Graff confirmed that Moeller is being treated in Sondalo. According to Norwegian team doctor Trond Floberghagen, “Fredrik dislocated his left shoulder. The treatment has gone well, and the health team will now begin further rehabilitation. He did not suffer any other injuries in the fall.”
Originally expected to participate in a second official training session on Thursday night, it now seems likely that Moeller will miss the entire Games. Floberghagen noted, “The timeline for the downhill is unfortunately a bit too tight,” although he has not ruled out Moeller’s participation in the Super-G downhill event on Wednesday.
High-Speed Skiing: A Dangerous Discipline
High-speed skiing disciplines are among the most dangerous in sports, with athletes reaching motorway speeds on unforgiving terrain. Moeller has been one of Norway’s brightest talents and a key figure in their Olympic plans. This incident marks the second high-profile accident for him, following a World Cup downhill crash at Val Gardena in 2025.
Meanwhile, the skiing community is reminded of the inherent risks, as Winter Olympics icon Lindsey Vonn recently suffered a serious knee injury during the women’s World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Olympics Begin Amidst Challenges
Two days before the opening ceremony, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics began with the curling mixed doubles. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, eight teams competed amidst a brief power cut that blacked out scoreboards, causing a temporary pause in play.
Despite the hiccup, British pair Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds secured an 8-6 win against Norway, while Sweden, Canada, and Estonia also claimed victories. Italy, the reigning Olympic champions in mixed doubles, are set to begin their bid for gold against South Korea on Thursday.
Opening Ceremony and Performances
The opening ceremony on Friday will be held primarily at the San Siro stadium in Milan, with other venues hosting the athletes’ parade. Performers include US singer Mariah Carey and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, reflecting the grandeur of the event spread across northern Italy.
Alpine Skiing: Stars and Expectations
Unstoppable Mikaela Shiffrin and Swiss master Marco Odermatt headline the alpine skiing events. Shiffrin, the most successful skier of all time, seeks to erase memories of the 2022 Beijing Games. She has already achieved 108 World Cup victories, including seven wins in eight slalom races this season.
Odermatt, a dominant force in men’s events, leads a strong Swiss team. He holds a massive lead in the overall World Cup standings and aims to add more Olympic medals to his collection. His competitiveness was evident when he expressed disappointment over a second-place finish in Kitzbuehel.
Looking Ahead
As the Games progress, the focus remains on athletes’ safety and their ability to perform under pressure. Fredrik Moeller’s recovery and potential return to competition will be closely watched, while other athletes continue to navigate the challenges of the Winter Olympics.
The resilience and determination of these athletes serve as a testament to the spirit of the Games, as they strive for excellence amidst adversity.
