Former college football star forced to retire on eve of Winter Olympics with concussion

Charlie Volker has called time on his career just weeks before the Milan Cortina Games.

The bobsled push star competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics, but suffered a concussion in 2025 that has forced him to retire.

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Volker, who played running back at Princeton, made the call less than two weeks before USA Bobsled and Skeleton was due to announce its roster.

“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 wrote on Instagram.

“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.

“I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the federation for their support. And to those who have watched, cheered, and supported me through this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“I will pass on the love, belief, and encouragement to others, and will never forget what you all have done for me.”

Volker helped pilot Frank Del Duca finish fourth in the two and four-man events at last year’s world championships.

“Charlie is an exceptional bobsled athlete with outstanding character and professionalism,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire said.

“Decisions like this are never easy, especially at this level, and I commend him for prioritizing his health and well-being. We’re grateful for the medical professionals supporting his recovery.

“He will certainly be missed for the remainder of the season, and we remain confident in the strength, depth, and resilience of our men’s bobsled program.”

Bobsledders can hurtle down the icy track at speeds over 80 mph, with concussions a constant danger.

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Volker’s injury saw the 28-year-old fail to compete in a World Cup race.

He had started the year as a contender for the Olympic team after setting a team record in the push championships in September.

Volker partnered with Hunter Church in Beijing, finish 10th in two-man and 27th in four-man.

Church has also since retired from the sport.

Milan’s Games have come under scrutiny with the ice hockey arena still not finished.

International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif said that parts of the rink and arena might not be complete in time, but insisted the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms would be ready when the men’s tournament begins on February 11.

The women begin six days earlier.

Capacity has been reduced from the planned 14,000 to just under 12,000.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston shared some major concerns from a test event, revealing that there are large holes in the side of the building and branding the ice “soft and snowy.”

“Today the ice was not perfect, but it will be done again with new ice next week and I’m confident that it will continue to improve,” Italian play-by-play commentator Matteo Floccari told The Hockey News.

“The Olympic Games here will be the biggest occasion ever that Italian ice hockey has ever had, having the greatest players in the world here. It will absolutely help grow the game in Italy, with (Sidney) Crosby and (Connor) McDavid coming here.