Olympic Snowboarder Has “Freak Accident” Surfing Wave Pool (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 4:08 PM ET

It’s the off-season, presumably, for those of the winter sports persuasion. And especially those competing in the Olympics, as the next winter Games will take place next year in Milano Cortina (Italy). So, makes sense that some would take up some extracurriculars.

Unfortunately, however, for two-time Olympic Big Air gold medalist snowboarder Anna Gasser her off-season activities resulted in injury. The Austrian aerialist was surfing at Munich’s 02 SurfTown Muc wave pool, when she awkwardly went down, and suffered a shoulder dislocation. Sounds like she tore some ligaments, too, requiring surgery.

Scroll to the side below to see footage of the injury.

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A post shared by Anna Gasser (@annagassersnow)

In a statement, translated, Gasser said:

"The examinations showed that the shoulder was briefly dislocated. The labrum and biceps tendon were affected. The surgery restored the necessary stability in the shoulder. Even though it's not easy for me, I'll have to be patient for now. After that, I'll concentrate on training and compete in selected World Cup competitions to be optimally prepared for the Olympic Games in Italy."

Via social media, she added: “Crazy how everything can change in a second. Had a freak accident surfing and dislocated my shoulder. Decided to fix it right away to be 100% again for next season. Sad that my summer plans changed and that I’m forced to watch from the sidelines for now. But I’ll try to make the best out of it and come back strong.”

In the video, it looks like Gasser slips off the board, then tries to hang on with one hand, dragging that arm along with the moving water. That’s likely what led to the arm being stretched and shoulder dislocated. Not ideal. Not fun.

But by the sound of it, Gasser is on the mend. And she’ll likely be back in Italy, come 2026, to defend her gold medal in the Big Air division.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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