Belle Brockhoff, the former world champion snowboard cross racer, has hung up her competitive racing boots. She took this bold move only weeks before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The 33-year-old athlete narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. She went to Twitter with the news, sounding happy, thankful and ready to fight all at once.
During this time, a series of injuries limited Brockhoff from competing at the highest level. That all changed in March of last year, when she suffered a devastating knockout crash at a World Cup race in Tbilisi, Georgia. She had a compound fracture in her wrist and a fractured L1 vertebra in her spine from the accident. This traumatic experience led to her being airlifted to mainland Greece for medical treatment.
In her statement, Brockhoff gave a glimpse into battles that she no longer fights. They have helped millions recover.
“I’ve been rehabbing a complicated compound fracture in my wrist and a fractured L1 vertebra in my spine.” – Belle Brockhoff
Brockhoff was ever so eager to come back stronger, but her luck went south in 2024, instead. During that training period, she suffered an injury that necessitated surgery to place plates into the wrist. With more than 20 years on snow and 17 career podiums including a historic gold medal at a World Cup event—the first ever woman to accomplish that for Australia. She admitted that these disappointments have colored her thinking and decision-making in powerful ways.
A Legacy of Excellence
Brockhoff’s career in snowboarding has been a story of overcoming adversity with amazing accomplishments. She became the first Australian woman to win a gold medal in snowboard cross at a World Cup level. In 2021 she joined forces with Jarryd Hughes to win the mixed world title. Her competitive fire and work ethic have established her as a focused leader in the sport.
In her farewell message, Brockhoff noted that it was a painful decision because of how much snowboarding means to her.
“I will miss everything that snowboard cross has given me — it’s been my passion, my identity and my greatest adventure.” – Belle Brockhoff
Her journey continues to inspire the next generation of young athletes. Her imprint on the sport will be felt differently and more positively than it has been for previous generations.
Looking Ahead
As she leaves the world of high-performance racing, Brockhoff says she’s looking forward to her next chapter.
“But right now, the competitive chapter that defines so much of my life has come to a close. I’m excited for this next chapter in life. It feels right and I’m ready.” – Belle Brockhoff
Brockhoff had planned to compete in both the snowboard cross and mixed team events at the Beijing Olympics. She knows it’s important to tune into her body and prioritize her health above all else.
