Belle Brockhoff evacuated for surgery after season-ending injury

Triple Winter Olympian and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Belle Brockhoff was evacuated to Athens, Greece, for surgery after sustaining a serious back injury during the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup at Gudauri, Georgia.  

Brockhoff crashed at high speed in her final race of the day, landing on her coccyx. Medical examinations revealed a fracture of the L1 vertebrae. Fortunately, there is no neurological damage. 

The 32-year-old was airlifted from the course and flown to Athens. After her operation, Brockhoff is expected to remain in the hospital for up to a fortnight to rehabilitate before returning to Australia. 

Brockhoff is being supported in Athens by a member of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia medical team. Her partner has flown to Greece to be with her. 

“Currently our medical team are working with the medical emergency service personnel and the hospital in Greece to ensure that Belle receives the best care possible,” Olympic Winter Institute of Australia CEO Geoff Lipshut said. 

“We will reassess options together with Belle following surgery over the next 48 hours.” 

“Belle is in good spirits, and I am very pleased that her partner has been able to fly to Greece to support her during this time,” he said. 

NSWIS High Performance Winter Sports Manager Peter Topalovic noted Brockhoff’s resilience in the face of a number of injury setbacks throughout the former world champion’s career.  

“On paper it’s been a horrible season of bad luck for Belle,” Topalovic said. 

“She broke her wrist mid-November 2024, had surgery in Switzerland – which the surgeon said was the worst break he had ever seen – and returned home to heal.” 

“Belle returned to Europe with the Snowboard Cross Team in early February 2025.” 

“In Gudauri, Georgia last weekend, [she] was in a career-best form, placing third into the finals and was riding as good as I have ever seen in her career.” 

Though this injury will keep her out of competition for the remainder of the season, Brockhoff’s focus remains on recovery and returning to training as soon as possible. 

“Belle has been an NSWIS scholarship athlete since 2012,” Topalovic said. 

“She knows how to heal herself. I can say this with certainty: she is already thinking about her next gym session and just wants to return to training as soon as possible.”

News of Brockhoff’s crash has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, coaches, and organisations across social media.  

She posted an update on her Instagram story, thanking those who reached out.  

“I really appreciate all the messages of support, thank you to all,” Brockhoff wrote. “I am staying positive. I am in good hands.” 

“I’m currently in Greece awaiting surgery. It will be either tomorrow or the day after.” 

“Will post an update in the next few days. Thank you xx.” 

Rachel Tingey, NSWIS