Three-time Winter Olympian snowboard cross rider Belle Brockhoff has broken her back in a crash at the FIS World Cup event in Georgia.
Brockhoff was airlifted off the mountain after crashing heavily in the small final on Saturday at Gudauri.
Scans revealed Brockhoff has a fracture of the L1 vertebrae.
The 32-year-old was evacuated to Greece where she has undergone surgery.
"Currently our medical team are working with the medical emergency personnel and the hospital in Greece to ensure that Belle receives the best possible care," Geoff Lipshut, chief executive of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, said.
"We will reassess options together with Belle following surgery over the next 48 hours.
"Belle is in good spirits and I am pleased her partner has been able to fly to Greece to support her during this time."
Brockhoff is a three-time Olympian and won the mixed team snowboard cross World Championship in 2021 with Jarryd Hughes.
Snowboard cross riders are no strangers to injury, with races regularly featuring crashes.
At the last Winter Games in Beijing, Brockhoff herself was stretchered off the side of the mountain after a crash in the quarterfinal.
Her injury is the latest in what is turning into a tough, injury-packed season for Australia's medal hopes.
Moguls champion Jakara Anthony broke her collarbone in Sweden last year, while snowboarders Val Guseli (knee) and Tess Cody (concussion) have also spent time off the snow.
ABC
