Bobsleigh star sent to ‘Vonn clinic’ after scary crash at Winter Olympics
A frightening incident unfolded in the bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics, with a member of the Austrian team being stretchered off the track after a major crash
Bobsleigh star Jakob Mandlbauer suffered a horrific crash at the Winter Olympics and has been transferred to the same clinic where Lindsey Vonn received treatment. The American skier hit a gate at high speed just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill event earlier this month.
Mandlbauer, meanwhile, competed in the bobsleigh event as part of a four‑man team alongside Daniel Bertschler, Sebastian Mitterer and Daiyehan Nichols‑Bard. The crash occurred in heat two of the final, when the Austrian team attempted to take a left turn before the sleigh flew off the side.
While Bertschler, Mitterer and Nichols‑Bard appeared to walk away from the scene unscathed, Mandlbauer required prolonged medical attention before eventually being stretchered off under a thermal blanket with his neck in a brace.
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According to German outlet Bild, Mandlbauer was transferred to the Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso – the same hospital where Vonn underwent four surgeries for a tibia fracture.
The American had been airlifted off the course and has since undergone multiple operations.
Meanwhile, Austrian outlet Krone claims the initial checks focused on whether Mandlbauer could move his arms, body and head.
It’s said the tests came back positive, though there was concern after Mandlbauer reported pain in his neck area.
This is not the first time the Austrian team have crashed, with a similar incident occurring early in the Games during unofficial training.
In addition to Austria, teams from France and Trinidad & Tobago also crashed.
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“You can’t steer that fast at that point,” German competitor Adam Ammour said after the event.
“You have to be extremely careful. Three crashes are three crashes too many, but we’re in a high-risk sport.”
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