Charlie Volker Announces Medical Retirement After Concussion, Ending Olympic Bid

U.S. bobsledder Charlie Volker, a 2022 Olympian, announces medical retirement after failing to recover from a concussion ahead of the Milan Cortina Games.

Charlie Volker, a U.S. bobsled push athlete and 2022 Olympian, has announced his medical retirement after struggling to recover from a concussion suffered earlier this season. Volker had been a contender to make the national team headed to the upcoming Milan Cortina Games, but ongoing health concerns forced him to prioritize long-term recovery over competition.

Volker’s decision underscores the physical risks inherent in high-speed winter sports like bobsled. As a push athlete, he played a critical role in starts that can make or break a run. His presence on the track and in the paddock throughout the 2022 Olympics and subsequent seasons made him a recognizable figure in U.S. bobsled circles. The announcement marks a difficult turning point for an athlete who had been working toward another Olympic appearance.

Concussions and brain injury protocol have become central issues across athletics, and Volker’s medical retirement highlights how recovery timelines can be unpredictable. Despite medical care and rehabilitation efforts, some concussions lead to persistent symptoms that prevent athletes from safely returning to competition. In Volker’s case, those ongoing struggles ultimately led to his choice to step away from elite bobsledding to protect his long-term health.

The impact of Volker’s retirement will be felt by teammates, coaches and the broader U.S. bobsled program as it finalizes selections for the Milan Cortina Games. Beyond roster implications, his situation serves as a reminder for athletes, federations and fans that athlete health must come first. Teams often respond by reviewing concussion management, return-to-play protocols and support systems for athletes navigating medical retirements.

While this chapter closes on Volker’s competitive bobsled career, many retired athletes find new roles in coaching, advocacy or sport administration. Volker’s experience as a 2022 Olympian gives him credibility should he choose to mentor younger athletes or raise awareness about concussion prevention and recovery.

Charlie Volker’s medical retirement is a sober example of how injuries can alter the trajectory of elite competitors. As the bobsled community rallies around his recovery, the broader conversation about concussion care and athlete well-being continues to shape the sport’s future.

Back