American skier Nick Goepper crashes violently during gold medal attempt

Nick Goepper risked everything in his final Olympic race.

The 35-year-old American skier was on course for bronze when he entered his final run in the men’s half-pipe freestyle skiing competition Friday in Milan with a chance to win gold, but it ended with a setback on his final lap.

Goepper was successful until his fifth and final jump, where he didn’t reach enough height on his jump and landed hard on the edge of the half-pipe.

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He lay on the snow for several minutes and, even though he crashed, everyone held their breath as he was treated by medical staff, who appeared ready to take him away on a stretcher.

However, Goepper stood up on his own, gave a thumbs up and smiled, and left under his own power.

Unfortunately, insult was added to injury when Canada’s Brendan MacKay beat Goepper’s score to push him off the podium and claim the bronze medal.

USA’s Nick Goepper during his final run in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final at Livigno Snow Park on the 14th day of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)

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It wasn’t all bad news for the Americans, however, as Goepper’s teammate, Alex Ferreira, won the gold medal.

Goepper came into this year’s Games with three other medals – one from Sochi, one from Pyeongchang and one from Beijing – but none of them are gold.

The show said the trick Goepper attempted had never been performed in competition.

Nick Goepper of the United States receives medical assistance after crashing while competing in the final round 3 of the men’s freestyle halfpipe during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Livigno Snow Park, Livigno, Valtellina, February 20, 2026. (Jeff Pachoud/AFP via Getty Images)

“I have no regrets,” he seemed to say as he left the mountain.