A dramatic fall during the men’s freeski big air qualifiers has sparked widespread concern for 18-year-old Finnish skier Elias Lajunen, after he crashed attempting a high-difficulty jump on Sunday.
Big air — one of the most visually spectacular events at the Winter Games — sends athletes soaring more than 15 feet above the snow as they perform complex spins and flips before landing on a steep, icy slope. The event’s combination of artistry and risk has made it a fan favorite since its Olympic debut.
During his run, Lajunen appeared to lose control on the landing of a trick, coming down hard in what several viewers described online as a “horrific” crash. Social media quickly filled with messages of support. “Hope it’s nothing serious,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiments of many who expressed concern for the young athlete.
Lajunen represents Finland in international competition and is part of a new generation of freeskiers pushing the boundaries of the sport. Experts note that while elite competitions enforce strict safety protocols — including medical teams on-site and advanced course design standards — big air remains inherently high-risk due to the height, speed and technical difficulty involved.
Olympic broadcasts on NBC and Peacock continued coverage of the Games, but the moment served as a sobering reminder of the physical toll extreme winter sports can take.
As of Sunday evening, no official update had been released regarding Lajunen’s condition. Fans across the skiing world are hoping the talented teenager’s fall proves less serious than it appeared, and that he will soon return safely to competition.