Australian Olympian Belle Brockhoff airlifted to Greek hospital after snowboard crash

Australian Winter Olympian Belle Brockhoff is in “good spirits” after being airlifted to a hospital in Greece following a serious back injury during a race at the Snowboard Cross World Cup in Georgia.

The 32-year-old Victorian, a triple Winter Olympian, was initially flown to a hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia, before being evacuated to Greece for surgery after suffering a fracture of the L1 vertebrae.

Brockhoff, who had just returned to competition after recovering from a broken wrist, landed on her coccyx during the crash but fortunately suffered no neurological damage.

The accident occurred less than a year before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

A member of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia medical team is accompanying Brockhoff, with her girlfriend also flying to Greece to support her.

“Currently, our medical team are working with the medical emergency service personnel and the hospital in Greece to ensure that Belle receives the best care possible,” said Geoff Lipshut, CEO of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

“Belle is in good spirits, and I am very pleased that her partner has been able to fly to Greece to support her during this time.”

Following surgery, Brockhoff is expected to remain in Athens for up to two weeks of rehabilitation before returning to Australia to continue preparations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Source: FOX Sports.