In a significant blow to the United States bobsled team, key push athlete Charlie Volker has announced his immediate retirement from the sport, mere weeks before the commencement of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The 28-year-old athlete, a strong contender for the Olympic roster, confirmed he will not compete at next month's Games, citing ongoing health concerns related to a concussion.
Health Concerns Force a Painful Decision
Charlie Volker explained that his decision follows months of struggling to recover from a concussion sustained earlier in the season. Despite efforts to make a comeback, continued symptoms and further medical evaluations by the team's sports medicine staff led to the advice that he should step away for the sake of his long-term health. Volker admitted that walking away was painful, especially with the Olympics so close, and expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete alongside his teammates.
The timing is particularly crucial, as his retirement comes less than two weeks before USA Bobsled and Skeleton officially names its Olympic team and just days before the Winter Games begin. Volker was widely expected to secure a spot on that roster, having entered the season as a top athlete in the program and even setting a team record at the push championships.
Impact on Team USA and a Storied Career
USA Bobsled and Skeleton confirmed Volker's retirement, praising his professionalism, character, and contributions. Officials stated he will be missed for the remainder of the season but expressed confidence in the depth and resilience of the men's bobsled squad heading into Milan Cortina. His sudden exit, however, leaves a noticeable gap in the team's final preparations.
Volker's career, though cut short, was marked by notable achievements. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, he competed in both the two-man and four-man bobsled events, finishing 27th in the two-man and helping the four-man team secure a 10th-place finish. Earlier that same year, he won a bronze medal at a Bobsleigh World Cup event in Winterberg, Germany.
From Princeton Football to Olympic Bobsled
Charlie Volker's athletic journey is a fascinating one. Before his bobsled career, he was a standout running back at Princeton University. He finished his college football career with 1,994 rushing yards, ranking seventh in school history. After not making it to the NFL, he was encouraged by a former bobsledder to try the winter sport. Volker once described his first bobsled ride as overwhelming and dizzying, but he adapted quickly, showcasing the raw power that made him an elite push athlete.
Although his Olympic journey has ended sooner than anticipated, Charlie Volker leaves the sport with significant respect from the US bobsled community and a legacy of dedication and high performance.
