Aussie athlete Amanda Reid withdraws from Paralympics after 'scary' crash on 'unsafe' course
A crash has forced Australian Amanda Reid to withdraw from her remaining event at the Winter Paralympics, following a stay in hospital.
Reid, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who has competed at the summer Paralympics, fell during the pre-heat of the women's snowboard cross SB-LL2 on Sunday.
She was set to compete for Australia in the women's banked slalom this weekend.
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But she's been ruled out after being stretchered off the course and taken to hospital for treatment on her lower back during the concerning fall.
The crash was her second at the venue in three days and she wasn't alone, with several other athletes suffering the same fate.
Amanda Reid of Australia crashes during a women's snowboard cross SB-LL2 pre-heat. AP
Several competitors were taken to hospital after the first day of training on the course, which ended the day's session and prompted several changes to make the course safer.
However, more crashes happened on the following day which led to more changes before the finals on Sunday.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation told The Athletic staging the Paralympics in spring instead of winter had caused "both construction and snow-condition challenges".
Watch the Winter Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event live & on demand, every medal in 4K, and exclusive international coverage on Stan Sport.
Amanda Reid of Australia is evacuated after crashing during a women's snowboard cross SB-LL2 pre-heat. AP
"To ensure athletes have adequate inspection and training runs, sessions must start early, when the course is at its hardest and fastest," the federation said.
"The incidents involving several athletes occurred under these morning conditions. However, starting later was not an option, as overly soft snow would have degraded the course to a degree that could jeopardise the whole competition."
Reid was kept in hospital overnight and was discharged Monday night.
She posted to social media, telling followers she's "sore but OK".
Australian team captain Sean Pollard said he believed the Paralympic course was harder than the Olympic course in Livigno.
Amanda Reid of Australia is evacuated after crashing during a women's snowboard cross SB-LL2 pre-heat. AP
"If I'm being completely honest, it was pretty scary. The first feature was doable but just really scary, really high speed," he said. "It was super technical to start with probably more technical than the Olympic course."
He added: "Unfortunately, I think seven athletes got taken to hospital. So, if it's that unsafe and not everyone can ride it they've got to make changes.
"Unfortunately, the changes they made, made it worse. So another two athletes went down the next day, and then they changed it completely to make it safe for everyone," he said.
