Hirano Ayumu Named to Japan's Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Team Despite Injury

Injured reigning men’s halfpipe Olympic champion Hirano Ayumu was one of 19 snowboarders named to Japan’s squad for Milano Cortina 2026 on Tuesday (20 January). Hirano’s selection had been all but a foregone conclusion until the 27-year-old crash-landed on his first run at the World Cup in Laax, Switzerland, over the weekend. His face was badly bloodied and he pulled out of the competition, reportedly complaining of severe pain in his lower body. He fell so hard that his board broke. Hirano was expected to fly home for detailed tests. No official update has yet to be given by Hirano himself or the Ski and Snowboard Association of Japan. Hirano’s younger brother, Kaishu, posted on Instagram a shot of Ayumu, his face covered with cuts and a pair of crutches. Kaishu wrote a message in English saying, “My heart aches for you. You will come back stronger with me. I’m glad you’re alive.” Hirano is attempting to become the first-ever Japanese Winter Olympian to medal at four consecutive Games.