Promising Korean freestyle skier Lee Seung-hoon, 21, from Hanwha, sustained a significant knee injury during training for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics but pushed through to secure qualification.
Grueling Performance at Livigno Snowpark
On February 20 local time, Lee competed in the halfpipe event at Livigno Snowpark in Italy. Despite intense pain, he recorded a score of 76.00 points, placing 10th out of 25 competitors and advancing among the top 12. This marked the lowest score among Korean entrants.
Presentations after 7:30 p.m. proved challenging as Lee struggled to complete runs. Attempting a double cork 1800, he crashed multiple times, highlighting the severity of his condition. He managed the first run but could not finish the next two, registering all as DNS (Did Not Start).
Social Media Update and Determination
Lee shared his resolve on social media, posting “Gaboja!” (Let’s go!) alongside images from the crash. He analyzed the sequences, emphasizing his commitment despite the visible struggles. Even amid evident pain, he completed the Olympic selection process.
Teammates and fans reacted with concern on his SNS, where reactions from fellow skiers and supporters poured in. Lee expressed optimism from his hospital bed, noting direct qualification for the Olympics.
Shocking Medical Diagnosis
An MRI at a local Livigno hospital revealed a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, medial collateral ligament tear, lateral cartilage damage, and a partial femur fracture in his right knee. Officials confirmed the heavyweight diagnosis, yet Lee vows no withdrawal.
Coach Rossi stated that Lee will recover fully and return stronger. The injury echoes past challenges faced by top athletes, including an 18-year-old Korean pioneer in the discipline.
Path Forward for Korean Freestyle Skiing
As Korea’s leading hope in halfpipe, Lee’s perseverance underscores his value to the national team. The Korean Ski and Snowboard Association prioritizes his safe repatriation, planning his return on February 23 after direct Olympic qualification.
Representatives from the Korea-Switzerland joint training camp matched expectations, with Lee set to focus on rehabilitation post-return.
