> At a Glance
> – Charlie Volker, 28, ends his bobsled career on medical advice after a concussion
> – The 2022 Olympian and push-record holder missed the entire current World Cup season
> – Volker’s exit comes less than two weeks before USA Bobsled names its 2026 Milan-Cortina team
> – Why it matters: A top medal hopeful’s forced retirement highlights the concussion risks in high-speed sliding sports
A concussion suffered earlier this season has sidelined Charlie Volker, ending the push athlete’s quest for a second Olympic appearance and prompting his medical retirement just weeks before the Milan-Cortina Games.
The Announcement
Volker revealed the decision Wednesday on social media:
> “After sustaining a concussion earlier this season, struggling through the recovery process, and receiving further evaluation from our sports med team, I will officially be medically retiring from bobsled at this time.”
He added: “I keep trying to remind myself that everything happens for a reason, but it’s going to hurt to not be out there with the guys.”
Career Highlights
- 2022 Beijing Olympian (10th two-man, 27th four-man)
- One World Cup medal: four-man bronze at Winterberg, Germany
- Team push record set at September’s push championships
- Helped Frank Del Duca place fourth in both two- and four-man at the 2023 World Championships
Concussion Risks in Sliding Sports
Bobsleds routinely exceed 80 mph on tracks where jarring crashes and violent vibration are common, putting push athletes like Volker at repeated risk. USA Bobsled CEO Aron McGuire praised Volker’s choice:
> “Charlie is an exceptional bobsled athlete with outstanding character and professionalism. Decisions like this are never easy, especially at this level, and I commend him for prioritizing his health and well-being.”
What’s Next
Volker, a former Princeton running back, had not started a World Cup race this winter. His retirement leaves the program to finalize its Olympic roster without one of its fastest push athletes.
Key Takeaways
- Volker exits at 28 after one concussion too many
- USA Bobsled retains medal hopes in a deep men’s program
- Concussion protocols continue to shape elite sliding-sport careers
The Milan-Cortina Games open February 6 without one of America’s most explosive starters.
