LIVIGNO, Italy – Ally Hickman, the 16-year-old Australian snowboarder, demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, returning to competition after a heavy fall in the women’s slopestyle final. Despite the incident, which briefly sparked concern within the Australian camp, Hickman finished seventh showcasing a grit that resonated with fans.
The incident occurred during Hickman’s second run, as she attempted a trick on one of the course’s challenging rail structures. She landed heavily, momentarily lying motionless in the snow before being attended to by medical staff. The fall came on a day already marked by both success and setbacks for the Australian team, with Danielle Scott celebrating a silver medal in women’s aerials at the other end of Livigno.
Ally Hickman got back on the rails less than an hour after her fall. (Getty Images: VOIGT/Frank Heinen)
Hickman, who was sitting in fifth place after the first round, bravely chose to compete in her third and final run, despite initially contemplating withdrawing. “I’d like to think I’m courageous, getting back up there after the crash,” she said after the event. “I was definitely contemplating not doing my third run. But it’s the Olympics, you’ve got to do everything … [and] doing it felt really good.”
While she didn’t stick the landing on her final jump, narrowly missing a potentially higher score, Hickman’s determination was evident throughout. The Games have unfortunately seen a higher-than-usual number of injuries for the Australian team, with Daisy Thomas, Cam Bolton, and Laura Peel also sidelined. The possibility of Hickman joining that list added to the tension surrounding her fall.
The young snowboarder’s resilience was particularly noteworthy given the circumstances. Her coach, Ryan Tiene, had unexpectedly returned to Australia earlier in the week to be with his pregnant wife, leaving Hickman to compete without his guidance. Tiene explained the difficult decision on social media, emphasizing the importance of being present for the birth of his child. Despite this, he had worked with Hickman to develop a run plan, confident in her ability to compete.
Hickman’s fall required a visit to the clinic for x-rays, which thankfully revealed no serious damage. She reported feeling winded and bruised, acknowledging that she “hit the ground pretty hard.” Despite the physical discomfort, she was able to return to the course and complete her final run.
“I just fell off the rail a bit early,” Hickman explained. “I was really winded when I fell and I was just trying to catch my breath. But I went off to the side and caught my breath back and went back up to the top.” Medical staff assessed her before she made the decision to continue, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the competition.
Hickman’s performance at the Olympics marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. As one of the youngest members of the Australian team, and a 2023 junior world championship bronze medalist, she has already established herself as a promising talent in the sport. She expressed her excitement about the experience and her determination to return to the Games in the future, aiming for a gold medal.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m really that much younger than everyone because I’m friends with all of them,” Hickman said. “But it feels so amazing to be one of the youngest people here, and I feel like I’m getting all the experience in now. It has definitely inspired me. This Olympics was more of like a learning part and next Olympics I’m going to come back and hopefully go for gold.”
Hickman’s story is a testament to the courage and dedication of Olympic athletes, who consistently push their limits in pursuit of their dreams. Her ability to overcome adversity and continue competing, despite a painful fall and the absence of her coach, embodies the spirit of the Games.
